We’ve Passed the Worst, Tinubu Assures in Independence Day Broadcast, Assures of Steady Progress, Recovery
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a national address to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, has assured citizens that the country had “turned the corner” from years of economic turbulence and was now on a steady path of recovery.
Speaking from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President reflected on the journey since October 1, 1960, when Nigeria gained freedom from colonial rule. He said the sacrifices and vision of the nation’s founding fathers must continue to inspire Nigerians to work towards a stronger, united, and prosperous country.
Tinubu emphasised that while the country had faced decades of social, political, and economic challenges, it had also recorded remarkable progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and industry.
The President explained that when his administration came into office in May 2023, it inherited what he described as a “near-collapsed economy” plagued by distortions and wasteful policies.
According to him, his government chose the difficult path of reforms rather than maintaining what he called “business as usual.”
He pointed out that the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates were tough but necessary steps that had freed up resources for investment in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, power, broadband, and national security.
Tinubu said the benefits of these policies were beginning to manifest. He noted that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, its fastest pace in four years, surpassing IMF projections.
Inflation, he added, had dropped to 20.12 percent in August, the lowest in three years.
He further highlighted increases in non-oil revenue, improved foreign reserves, stabilisation of the naira, a rebound in oil production, and a trade surplus that had positioned Nigeria as a net exporter for five consecutive quarters.
The President also commended the armed forces and security agencies, saying they were “winning the war” against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.
He noted that peace had returned to many previously troubled communities, allowing displaced people to return to their homes.
Turning to the youth, Tinubu described them as the “greatest assets of the nation” and encouraged them to continue to innovate and pursue excellence.
He cited initiatives such as the student loan fund, Credicorp, YouthCred, and the iDICE programme as government efforts to empower young Nigerians and provide them with opportunities in education, technology, and the creative industry.
While acknowledging that Nigerians were still grappling with the pains of reform, the President insisted that the alternative of economic collapse was unacceptable.
He assured citizens that the government’s focus would remain on tangible improvements in everyday life—such as affordable food, quality education, reliable electricity, and safe communities. In his words, “yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” and the sacrifices made so far were laying a concrete foundation for the nation’s future.
He called on Nigerians to support the government by embracing productivity, patronising locally made goods, and paying taxes, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in building the nation.
The President concluded his broadcast with a message of hope, declaring that with unity, resilience, and God’s help, Nigeria was entering “a new dawn of prosperity and self-reliance.”
He wished the nation a happy 65th Independence anniversary, urging all citizens to believe once again in the boundless potential of their country.
