In his Independence Day address, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid glowing tribute to nationalist leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and others who fought for freedom. According to him, their vision of a Nigeria that would lead the black race still guides the nation.

Nigeria’s Journey Through the Decades

The President admitted that the road has not been smooth, with moments of civil war, military coups, political crises, and economic turbulence. Yet, Nigeria has endured, showing resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

He highlighted remarkable growth since 1960. From just 120 secondary schools at Independence, Nigeria now has over 23,000. The country has also grown from only two tertiary institutions — University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology — to 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education as of 2024.

In healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and aviation, Tinubu noted that the country has recorded significant improvements compared to six decades ago.

Reforms and Hard Choices

Reflecting on his time in office since May 29, 2023, Tinubu said his administration inherited a broken economy. Instead of continuing with “business as usual,” he chose tough reforms — removing fuel subsidies, unifying exchange rates, and restructuring fiscal policies.

“These decisions were painful, but they were necessary,” he said. “Today, we are beginning to see the results.”

The President pointed out that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest in four years, while inflation dropped to 20.12% in August — its lowest in three years. Non-oil revenue has also surged, with over ₦20 trillion raised by August 2025, surpassing yearly targets.

12 Key Economic Achievements

Tinubu listed twelve major achievements of his government, including:

• Growing non-oil exports, with manufactured goods jumping by 173%.
• Rebounding oil production to 1.68 million barrels per day.
• Increasing foreign reserves to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
• Stabilising the naira and eliminating multiple exchange rates.
• Expanding transport infrastructure — rail, highways, seaports, and airports.
• Paying down debts and reducing the debt-service-to-revenue ratio from 97% to below 50%.
• Delivering social investments, including ₦330 billion to 8 million vulnerable households.
• Boosting the stock market to record highs.
• Security and National Unity

On security, the President praised the military and security agencies for reclaiming territories from Boko Haram, tackling IPOB/ESN militancy in the South-East, and reducing banditry in the North. He commended their sacrifices, saying peace has returned to many communities once plagued by violence.

• Youth Empowerment and Innovation

Addressing Nigeria’s youth, Tinubu described them as the country’s greatest asset. He pointed to initiatives such as:

NELFUND, which has provided loans worth ₦99.5 billion to over 510,000 students.

Credicorp, which has granted ₦30 billion in affordable loans for housing, digital devices, and solar energy.

YouthCred, now supporting NYSC members with consumer credit.

The iDICE programme, launched in partnership with AfDB, AFD, and IsDB, to fund young innovators in tech and the creative industry.

“You must dream big and innovate. Our government will continue to give you wings to fly,” he told Nigerian youths.

A Call to Action

While acknowledging that inflation and high living costs remain a challenge, the President urged Nigerians to remain hopeful. He called on citizens and state governments to join hands with the federal government in driving productivity, innovation, and investment.

“Let us patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. Let us be producers, not just consumers. Let us put Nigeria first,” he said.

Tinubu ended his speech with optimism:

“The dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here. The worst is over. Together, with God on our side, we shall triumph.”