Nigeria @65: The Worst is Over, Hope Rising for Nigeria – Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the nation’s most difficult days are behind it, declaring that his administration’s economic reforms are already yielding results and laying the foundation for a more prosperous future.
Delivering a national broadcast on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Tinubu said his government had chosen “the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today” since taking office in May 2023. He expressed confidence that Nigerians were beginning to feel the impact of these decisions.
“I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour,” the President stated.
Tinubu praised the resilience of Nigerians, noting that the country had survived a civil war, military rule, and political upheavals, and continues to strive towards building “a more perfect union.” He described the 65th anniversary as a time to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and the progress made since Independence in 1960.
Economic Reforms and Achievements
The President highlighted his administration’s key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, which he argued ended decades of corruption and rent-seeking. He said these tough decisions had freed resources for critical investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social programmes.
“In resetting our country for sustainable growth, we ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a few. Our administration has redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path,” Tinubu said.
He listed 12 economic milestones achieved in the last two years and four months, among them:
- GDP growth of 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years.
- Inflation down to 20.12%, the lowest in three years.
- Non-oil revenue sharply rising.
- Debt servicing costs reduced.
- Foreign reserves increasing to $42.03 billion.
- Tax-to-GDP ratio climbing to 13.5%.
- Five consecutive quarters of trade surplus.
- Manufactured exports up by 173%.
- Non-oil exports now accounting for 48% of total trade.
- Oil production recovering to 1.68 million barrels per day.
- Local refining resuming for the first time in four decades.
- Export of aviation fuel restarted.
He added that the naira had stabilised, credit ratings had improved, and Nigeria’s stock market was booming, with the Central Bank cutting interest rates for the first time in five years — a sign of renewed investor confidence.
Security and Infrastructure
On national security, Tinubu said the military had made significant progress against insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes. “They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. Peace has returned to hundreds of communities, and thousands of displaced persons are back home,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on food security and infrastructure, stressing the need to repair old roads, build new ones, expand schools, and upgrade hospitals to serve both current and future generations.
Youth and Social Investment
Tinubu described Nigerian youth as the country’s “greatest assets,” highlighting initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, which has already assisted over 500,000 students. He also cited credit schemes like Credicorp and YouthCred, which provide loans for housing, devices, and resettlement.
He announced continued progress on the $600 million iDICE programme, supported by international partners, to strengthen Nigeria’s digital and creative sectors.
Under the social investment programme, he said, ₦330 billion had been disbursed to eight million households.
Transport and National Projects
The President also pointed to major transport and infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Eastern Rail Project, and upgrades to airports, seaports, and other transport networks.
While acknowledging the hardship caused by reforms, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain patient, assuring them that his government was committed to building a stronger, more prosperous nation.
