President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a national broadcast on Sunday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, outlining the nation’s progress, challenges, and the vision for its future.
Speaking from the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu reflected on the country’s journey since gaining independence on October 1, 1960. He paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and nationalists, describing them as visionaries who dreamed of a strong, united Nigeria that would lead Africa and be “the beacon of light to the rest of the world.”
He listed historical figures such as Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and others, noting their belief in Nigeria’s “manifest destiny to lead the entire black race.”
The President acknowledged that although Nigeria has faced “profound social, economic, and political challenges,” it has endured and made progress. He said the country has grown in terms of economic development, social unity, and physical infrastructure.
Comparing past and present, Tinubu highlighted improvements in education and healthcare. He noted that while Nigeria had only 120 secondary schools and two tertiary institutions in 1960, there are now over 23,000 secondary schools and more than 690 higher institutions nationwide. He added that sectors such as infrastructure, telecommunications, aviation, and defence have also seen significant growth.
Recalling turbulent times in the nation’s history, including the civil war and years of military rule, Tinubu said Nigeria has overcome many obstacles with “courage, grit, and uncommon determination.” He stressed the importance of unity and pledged his administration’s commitment to national development.
Marking his third Independence Day address since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu said his administration inherited a “near-collapsed economy” but chose to implement bold reforms rather than “continue business as usual.” He stated that those tough decisions are beginning to yield results.
Among key reforms mentioned was the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. According to the President, these changes redirected funds to sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social investment. He added that local, state, and federal governments now have increased resources to address developmental needs.
President Tinubu emphasized the need for continued investment in roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, and transport infrastructure. He attributed today’s challenges to past neglect and asserted that his administration is “setting things right.”
He declared that “the worst is over,” citing recent economic indicators as signs of improvement. Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025—the highest in four years—while inflation dropped to 20.12% in August, its lowest level in three years.
Listing 12 economic milestones, the President said Nigeria achieved a record non-oil revenue of over ₦20 trillion by August, and raised ₦3.65 trillion in September alone. He noted a significant improvement in the country’s debt service-to-revenue ratio, and said external reserves have increased to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5%, and a new tax law taking effect in January is expected to further expand the tax base without burdening existing taxpayers. Tinubu also reported a consistent trade surplus over five quarters, with non-oil exports now accounting for nearly half of total exports.
The country’s daily oil production has risen to 1.68 million barrels, aided by enhanced security and investments in the Niger Delta. He added that Nigeria is now refining petroleum locally and has become the continent’s top exporter of aviation fuel.
The President said the Naira has stabilised, with reduced disparity between official and parallel market exchange rates due to FX reforms and increased capital inflows. He reiterated that the days of multiple exchange rates “are now part of history.”
Under social programmes, he revealed that ₦330 billion has been disbursed to eight million vulnerable households, with recipients receiving up to ₦25,000 each in multiple tranches. He also pointed to strong growth in coal mining, describing the solid mineral sector as increasingly vital.
The administration, according to Tinubu, is expanding infrastructure through major road and rail projects, including the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, and the Sokoto-Badagry highway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion for the completion of the Eastern Rail Project.
He said international observers have taken notice of Nigeria’s progress. Credit rating agencies have upgraded the country’s outlook, and the stock market has reached a record high of 142,000 points. The Central Bank has also lowered interest rates for the first time in five years.
On security, Tinubu commended the armed forces and security agencies for “winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.” He said peace has returned to many communities in the North-West and North-East, with thousands of displaced people returning home.
Addressing the youth, the President said young Nigerians are “the greatest assets of this blessed country.” He urged them to continue dreaming big and promised ongoing support through policy and funding initiatives.
Tinubu cited the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed ₦99.5 billion to 510,000 students, and noted that a ₦44.7 billion upkeep allowance has also been paid. He also referenced Credicorp, which has granted ₦30 billion in affordable loans to 153,000 Nigerians, and YouthCred, which is currently benefiting thousands of NYSC members.
The President said the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, driven by the Bank of Industry in partnership with international development banks, is set to support young innovators in technology and the arts.
Acknowledging the hardship caused by reforms, Tinubu said rising inflation and cost of living are major concerns. However, he maintained that these measures were necessary to avoid “economic chaos or bankruptcy.” He said the administration is laying a lasting foundation for sustainable development.
The President stressed that success would ultimately be measured by “food on the table, quality education, electricity, and security,” not just economic data. He added that reforms at the state and local government levels are already yielding results.
Calling for collective effort, Tinubu urged Nigerians to “turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise.” He encouraged citizens to farm, manufacture, support local goods, and pay taxes, stating, “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers.”
President Tinubu concluded his speech with a message of hope, saying that with unity and divine support, a “new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
“Happy 65th Independence Anniversary,” he said. “May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
