President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the most difficult days of economic hardship are over, declaring that the country has turned the corner and is firmly on the path of recovery and prosperity.
In his nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, the president said his administration’s painful but necessary reforms were already bearing fruit.
He acknowledged the pressures of inflation and rising costs but insisted that the sacrifices demanded of Nigerians were unavoidable to rebuild a nation weakened by years of fiscal mismanagement.
“I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour,” Tinubu said in his third Independence Day address since assuming office in May 2023.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey, the president paid tribute to the resilience of the nation, recalling its survival through civil war, dictatorship, and political crises, while stressing that unity and patriotism remain the foundation of progress.
He explained that the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates were tough but essential choices that freed resources for investment in education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Tinubu said the results of these reforms were evident. Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest pace in four years and higher than International Monetary Fund projections. Inflation fell to 20.12 percent, its lowest in three years, while external reserves climbed to 42.03 billion dollars, the strongest since 2019.
He noted that non-oil revenues had hit a record ₦20 trillion by August, while trade surplus had been sustained for five consecutive quarters as locally manufactured and non-oil exports surged. Oil production, he added, has rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day, while for the first time in four decades, Premium Motor Spirit is being refined locally.
On security, the president praised the armed forces for what he described as victories against terrorists, bandits, and other violent groups.
He said peace has returned to several once-troubled communities in the North-East and North-West, allowing displaced persons to return home.
He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, from railways and highways to coastal roads, as proof of his administration’s commitment to building a stronger future.
Turning to youth, Tinubu reaffirmed that they are Nigeria’s greatest asset. He outlined initiatives such as the National Student Loan Fund, YouthCred, and Credicorp, which are expanding access to education, entrepreneurship, and affordable credit.
He announced that more than half a million students have already benefited from education loans, while over 150,000 Nigerians have accessed credit for housing, energy, and technology projects.
The president admitted that many citizens are still under strain but urged them to remain patient and resilient. He insisted that the reforms are laying a lasting foundation for sustainable growth.
“Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand,” he declared.
Tinubu ended his address on a note of optimism, urging Nigerians to embrace productivity and support local industries as part of building a self-reliant nation.
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land, build factories to process our produce, and patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. I say Nigeria first. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he said.
