President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used his 65th Independence Day broadcast on Wednesday to assure Nigerians that his administration’s reforms are working.
He declared that the “worst is over” and urged citizens to embrace productivity over consumption.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria must become a producing nation. He called on Nigerians to farm their land, build factories, and patronize made-in-Nigeria goods.
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers,” the president said in a televised address from Abuja.
The president recalled Nigeria’s journey since independence in 1960, praising the sacrifices of nationalists such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, and Tafawa Balewa.
According to him, their dream of a united and prosperous Nigeria remains alive despite years of challenges.
Tinubu highlighted key achievements under his two-year administration. He listed a GDP growth of 4.23 percent in Q2 2025, inflation down to 20.12 percent, and record increases in non-oil revenue.
He said Nigeria recorded a ₦7.46 trillion trade surplus in Q2 2025, the largest in three years.
Oil production also rose to 1.68 million barrels per day, while non-oil exports now account for 48 percent of total trade.
He added that the naira had stabilized after years of volatility. Nigeria’s foreign reserves climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
On infrastructure, Tinubu said major rail projects such as the Kano-Katsina-Maradi and Kaduna-Kano lines are nearing completion.
He also cited progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway.
The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.
In social investment, Tinubu disclosed that eight million poor households received ₦330 billion in cash support, while over 500,000 students benefited from loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
He said new credit schemes are helping Nigerians access affordable loans for homes, vehicles, and small businesses.
Turning to security, the president commended the military for “winning the war” against insurgents, bandits, and violent groups.
He said peace had returned to many communities in the North-East and North-West.
Tinubu admitted that citizens still feel the bite of inflation and high living costs but insisted the sacrifices of reforms are already paying off.
He urged unity and sacrifice, saying, “Together, we are laying a foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.”
Ending his speech on a note of hope, Tinubu declared, “The dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
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