President Bola Tinubu says his administration reforms are easing hardship as Nigeria marks 65 years of independence with promises of growth and security.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday October 1, 2025, in Abuja, told Nigerians that the country has “turned the corner” after enduring painful reforms, declaring that the worst economic challenges are behind the nation as it marks its 65th Independence Day.
In a national broadcast from Abuja, the Nigerian President, said his government had taken difficult but necessary steps to reset Africa’s largest economy, including scrapping fuel subsidies and unifying the foreign exchange system. He acknowledged that these measures created hardship but insisted they were vital to prevent collapse.
“Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” the president said. “The sacrifices we made are beginning to yield results. I assure you that the dawn of a prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
The President pointed to signs of recovery: second-quarter GDP growth of 4.23 percent, inflation falling to a three-year low of 20.12 percent in August, and a stronger foreign reserve position of $42 billion, the highest since 2019. Nigeria, he noted, had also posted five consecutive trade surpluses, with non-oil exports rising sharply.
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The president credited fiscal reforms for boosting revenues, reducing debt burdens, and freeing resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare and social programs. He said more than N330 billion had already been distributed to eight million households under new welfare schemes, while student loans and youth credit initiatives were helping young Nigerians “dream big and innovate.”
On security, the President praised the armed forces for “winning the war” against Boko Haram and banditry, saying peace had returned to many previously troubled communities. He urged citizens to honor their sacrifices and support the nation’s security forces.
The president also stressed the importance of youth in driving national progress, highlighting initiatives such as the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program, backed by international partners, to empower technology and creative sectors.
While recognizing that inflation and living costs remain a pressing concern, Tinubu insisted that his government’s course is the only sustainable path. “The true measure of our success will be in the food on families’ tables, the quality of education for our children, the electricity in our homes, and security in our communities,” he said.
Marking his third Independence Day address since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu called for unity and collective effort. “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us believe once more in the boundless potential of our great nation,” he urged.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with more than 220 million people, gained independence from Britain in 1960. Despite decades of political upheaval, conflict and economic crises, it remains a regional powerhouse with vast natural and human resources.
As the nation celebrated 65 years of statehood, Tinubu ended his speech with a message of hope: “With Almighty God on our side, we shall build a Nigeria that leads Africa and shines as a beacon to the world.”
