President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is on the path of recovery and renewed hope as it celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary.
In a national broadcast from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President reflected on Nigeria’s journey since 1960 and praised citizens for their resilience amid economic challenges and reforms.
“The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” he said. “We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today, and the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are now bearing fruit.”
Tinubu noted that under his administration, the economy has started showing signs of strong recovery. He said Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 — the fastest in four years — while inflation dropped to 20.12 per cent, the lowest in three years.
According to him, the country’s foreign reserves have risen to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019, and the naira has stabilised following foreign exchange reforms. He added that Nigeria recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters, becoming a net exporter for the first time in years, while oil production rose to 1.68 million barrels per day.
Tinubu also highlighted major infrastructure projects such as the Kano-Katsina-Maradi and Kaduna-Kano rail lines, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which he said are all at advanced stages of completion.
He restated his government’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed ₦99.5 billion to over 500,000 students, and Credicorp, which has provided ₦30 billion in loans to more than 150,000 Nigerians.
Tinubu admitted that the government’s economic reforms had caused temporary hardship but maintained that the sacrifices would lead to lasting prosperity.
“The true measure of our success will not be limited to statistics, but in the food on our tables, the quality of education for our children, and the security in our communities,” he said.
He urged citizens to support the government’s efforts by embracing productivity, paying taxes, and patronising locally made goods.
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. I say Nigeria first,” the President added.
Tinubu concluded his speech with a message of optimism and unity, assuring Nigerians that a brighter and more self-reliant future lies ahead.
“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
