Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary
Nigeria has turned a corner and the worst is over, according to President Bola Tinubu. In a national broadcast to mark the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, Tinubu assured citizens that the sacrifices made through tough reforms are now yielding results.
Challenges and Progress
The President acknowledged that the country had faced profound social, economic, and political challenges in the 65 years since October 1, 1960. However, he noted that Nigeria has made tremendous progress in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and industry. The country has grown from two tertiary institutions to over 693 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, alongside growth in manufacturing, telecommunications, aviation, and defence.
Economic Reforms
Tinubu recalled that his administration inherited a near-collapsed economy but chose the path of reform over the comfort of today. The removal of fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates redirected resources to education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical infrastructure. Government revenues have improved, local governments have more resources, and investments are being made in roads, power, broadband, and social investment programmes.
Economic Milestones
The President listed 12 key economic milestones achieved in the last two years, including:
- Record-breaking non-oil revenue surpassing N20 trillion by August 2025
- Debt service-to-revenue ratio reduced from 97% to below 50%, with Ways and Means advances paid down
- Foreign reserves rising to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019
- Tax-to-GDP ratio up to 13.5%, with reforms expanding the base and relief for low-income earners
- Five consecutive quarters of trade surplus, with non-oil exports now 48% of trade
- Oil production rising to 1.68m barrels per day, with PMS refined locally for the first time in 40 years
- Stabilisation of the naira following FX reforms, ending multiple rates
- N330 billion disbursed to 8 million households under social investment
- Coal mining growth rebounding to 57.5% in Q2 2025, solid minerals now central to growth
- Expansion of transport infrastructure, including major rail and highway projects
- Sovereign credit upgrades and stock market growth to 142,000 points in September 2025
- Central Bank cutting interest rates for the first time in five years, signalling confidence in macroeconomic stability
Security and Youth Development
On security, Tinubu praised the armed forces for victories over terrorism, IPOB/ESN insurgency, and banditry, noting that peace had returned to hundreds of communities in the North-East and North-West. He addressed the youth directly, describing them as Nigeria’s greatest assets. The President cited initiatives such as NELFUND, Credicorp loans, and the YouthCred scheme supporting NYSC members, as well as the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme to support innovation.
Call to Action
Tinubu acknowledged lingering hardship, including inflation and high living costs, but insisted that the alternative of economic collapse had been avoided. He stressed that success would ultimately be judged not just by statistics but by food on the table, quality education, electricity, and security in communities. The President called for collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation, tax compliance, and patronage of locally made goods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s message was one of optimism and hope for a better future. With the country having turned a corner and the worst seemingly behind, Nigerians can look forward to a more prosperous and self-reliant nation. As the President said, "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 continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
