Abuja, October 1, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is on the path of recovery, declaring that “the worst is over” as Nigeria celebrated its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday.
In a nationwide broadcast, the President reflected on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence in 1960, paying tribute to founding fathers like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello, alongside heroines like Margaret Ekpo and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. He said their dream of a strong and united nation remains alive, despite decades of challenges.
President Tinubu noted that his administration inherited a “near-collapsed economy” in 2023, but chose to implement bold reforms instead of “business as usual.” These included the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, which he said redirected money into education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure.
According to him, the reforms are now producing results. He revealed that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, while inflation dropped to 20.12% in August, the lowest in three years.
The President listed 12 key achievements, including:
- Record non-oil revenue of ₦20 trillion by August 2025.
- Improved foreign reserves, now at $42 billion, the highest since 2019.
- Nigeria is recording trade surpluses for five straight quarters, with non-oil exports rising to 48% of total trade.
- Oil production is increasing to 1.68 million barrels per day, plus local refining of petrol for the first time in four decades.
- ₦330 billion in cash transfers to 8 million poor households.
- Completion of major infrastructure projects such as the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line and ongoing work on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
- A stronger naira and a booming stock market, which jumped from 55,000 points in 2023 to over 142,000 points in September 2025.
“The sacrifices we made have not been in vain,” Tinubu said. “Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.”
On security, the President commended the armed forces for their fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. He said peace has returned to many communities in the North-East and North-West, with thousands of displaced persons now back in their homes.
Speaking directly to young Nigerians, Tinubu called them “the future and greatest assets of this blessed country.”
He highlighted several youth-focused programmes, including:
- NELFUND student loans, which have supported over 510,000 students with nearly ₦100 billion disbursed.
- Credicorp loans worth ₦30 billion to help Nigerians buy vehicles, solar systems, and digital devices.
- YouthCred loans for NYSC members.
- The upcoming iDICE programme, which will fund digital and creative enterprises with support from international partners.
“We are giving our young people wings to fly sky-high,” he said.
While admitting that many Nigerians still struggle with high living costs, Tinubu insisted that his government is fixing the economy’s foundation. He urged citizens to support the effort by producing more, buying made-in-Nigeria goods, paying taxes, and embracing agriculture and manufacturing.
“The true measure of success will be food on our tables, electricity in our homes, and security in our communities,” he said.
As the broadcast ended, Tinubu called for unity: “Let all hands be on deck. Let us believe once more in the boundless potential of our great nation. With Almighty God on our side, the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
