President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed Nigerians on October 1, 2025, in a national broadcast marking the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, celebrating Nigeria’s journey since 1960 while highlighting his administration’s achievements, reforms, and vision for the future.
Tinubu paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and acknowledged the nation’s progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. He noted the expansion from just two tertiary institutions at independence to over 690 today, and the growth of multiple sectors including telecommunications, manufacturing, and defence.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s challenges—civil war, military rule, and political crises—Tinubu praised citizens for their resilience and unity, reaffirming his commitment to national rebuilding.
The president outlined key economic reforms since his administration began in 2023, including the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of exchange rates, and redirection of funds into education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. These, he said, have led to visible improvements:
- GDP growth of 4.23%, the fastest in four years.
- Inflation down to 20.12%, the lowest in three years.
- Non-oil revenue surpassing ₦20 trillion by August 2025.
- Foreign reserves rising to $42.03 billion (the highest since 2019).
- Nigeria recording five consecutive trade surpluses, signalling diversification away from oil.
- Oil production rebounding to 1.68 million barrels per day, and domestic PMS refining resuming after four decades.
Tinubu also highlighted progress in security, commending the armed forces for victories against terrorism and banditry, and celebrating the restoration of peace in previously troubled regions.
Addressing the youth, he reaffirmed their importance as “the future and greatest assets” of the nation, citing the launch of NELFUND (student loan scheme), CrediCorp, and YouthCred, alongside the iDICE programme to boost innovation and entrepreneurship.
The president acknowledged the temporary hardship caused by reforms but urged patience, assuring citizens that “the worst is over” and that “yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.”
He called for collective effort toward national development, urging Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation, and the “Made-in-Nigeria” initiative, pledging continued investment in infrastructure, social welfare, and economic stability.
Tinubu concluded with a message of unity and hope, declaring that with faith, hard work, and God’s guidance, Nigeria stands on the threshold of “a new, prosperous, and self-reliant era.”
