President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country’s most difficult days are now behind it, declaring that his administration’s economic reforms are beginning to yield real and measurable progress.
Speaking during a national broadcast to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, the President said the government has made deliberate and sometimes painful decisions in order to secure a more prosperous future for all citizens.
According to Tinubu, since assuming office in May 2023, his administration chose “the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today.” He noted that Nigerians are beginning to see the early fruits of these choices. “I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over,” he stated. “Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding.”
The President defended the tough economic reforms his government has implemented, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange rates, which he said have brought an end to decades of corruption and rent-seeking in the economy. He explained that these measures have freed up resources previously lost to waste, allowing the government to redirect funds into critical areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare.
President Tinubu pointed to significant improvements in key economic indicators as proof that the reforms are working. He said the country’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest rate in four years, while inflation dropped to 20.12 percent, the lowest it has been in three years.
He also reported increased foreign reserves, stronger non-oil exports, and reduced debt servicing costs. According to him, Nigeria has now posted trade surpluses for five consecutive quarters, while oil production has risen to 1.68 million barrels per day and local fuel refining has resumed for the first time in four decades.
On security, the President commended the armed forces for their continued efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country. He said noticeable progress has been made in the fight against Boko Haram in the North-East, separatist violence in the South-East, and banditry in the North-West.
Tinubu claimed that peace has returned to many previously troubled communities and that thousands of internally displaced persons have been able to return to their homes.
The President also highlighted ongoing investments in national infrastructure, including road and rail development, airport upgrades, and seaport expansion. He cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Eastern Rail Project as key projects currently underway, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a strong foundation for long-term growth.
Addressing the youth, Tinubu described them as Nigeria’s “greatest asset” and emphasized his administration’s focus on youth empowerment. He said the Nigeria Education Loan Fund has already provided support to over 500,000 students, while credit schemes such as YouthCred and Credicorp are helping young people access loans for housing, devices, and business development.
He also mentioned the ongoing $600 million iDICE initiative, which aims to boost innovation in the digital and creative sectors with support from global development partners.
On social welfare, the President announced that over N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households through the government’s social investment programmes. He emphasized that this support is part of a broader effort to reduce poverty and cushion the impact of economic reforms on vulnerable Nigerians.
President Tinubu acknowledged the hardship many citizens are currently facing but urged Nigerians to remain patient, assuring them that the sacrifices being made today will secure a better tomorrow. He stressed the need for unity, collective responsibility, and long-term planning, saying that the nation must build not just for today but for generations to come.
As Nigeria marked 65 years of independence, Tinubu described the moment as one for deep reflection. He paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and praised the resilience of the Nigerian people who have endured civil war, military rule, and numerous political crises.
He reaffirmed his belief in a united Nigeria and promised to continue steering the nation toward stability, growth, and shared prosperity.
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