President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast on Wednesday, paid homage to Nigeria’s founding fathers while defending his administration’s tough economic reforms.
He admitted that Nigerians are “racing against time” to reverse decades of underinvestment in power, roads, and infrastructure, but assured that the country has “turned the corner” towards recovery.
Tinubu also promised more support for youth, security, and social welfare, reaffirming his vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria.
Here are 18 key highlights from Tinubu’s Independence Day speech:
1. Tribute to Independence Heroes – Tinubu honoured nationalist leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Margaret Ekpo, reaffirming their vision of a united, prosperous nation.
2. Acknowledgement of National Progress – He noted significant growth in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology, from just 120 secondary schools in 1960 to over 23,000 today, and 2 tertiary institutions to more than 690.
3. Resilience Through Challenges – He reflected on Nigeria’s survival of civil war, military rule, and political crises, stressing the nation’s determination to overcome adversity.
4. Commitment to Nation-Building – Tinubu vowed to continue the “unfinished business” of building a stronger nation in line with sacrifices of past leaders.
5. Inherited a Weak Economy – He revealed that his government met a near-collapsed economy due to years of policy mismanagement.
6. Bold Economic Reforms – He defended removing fuel subsidies and unifying the exchange rate, noting freed funds are now channelled to education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and infrastructure.
7. Economic Recovery Signs – Nigeria posted 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years, inflation dropped to 20.12%, and external reserves rose to $42bn.
8. 12 Key Economic Milestones:
* Record non-oil revenue above ₦20 trillion by August 2025.
* Debt service-to-revenue ratio cut from 97% to below 50%.
* “Ways and Means” debt cleared.
* Foreign reserves hit a six-year high.
* Tax-to-GDP ratio up to 13.5%.
* Five straight quarters of trade surplus; non-oil exports at 48%.
* Oil production rose to 1.68m bpd; local PMS refining resumed.
* Naira stabilised, multiple FX rates abolished.
* ₦330bn disbursed to 8m poor households.
* Solid minerals sector revived.
* Major road, rail, seaport, and airport projects ongoing.
* Stock market hit record highs; credit rating upgraded; CBN slashed interest rates.
9. Infrastructure Gap Admitted – He conceded Nigeria still lacks enough electricity, ports, and modern roads but pledged urgent correction.
10. Improved Security – He praised the armed forces for victories over Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, and bandits, noting peace has returned in parts of the North-East and North-West.
11. Youth Empowerment Measures:
-NELFUND: Over 510,000 students accessed nearly ₦100bn in loans.
-Credicorp: ₦30bn loans for vehicles, housing, solar, and devices.
-YouthCred: NYSC members now access consumer credit.
-iDICE: Multi-billion Naira support for tech and creative industries.
12. Support for Vulnerable Citizens – Over 8 million households benefitted from cash transfers under social investments.
13. Global Recognition – Sovereign credit ratings improved, foreign investors are returning, and the stock market hit new highs.
14. Central Bank Policy Shift – Interest rates were cut for the first time in five years, reflecting renewed macroeconomic stability.
15. Message of Hope Amid Hardship – He admitted inflation and rising living costs persist but insisted reforms were vital to avoid bankruptcy and secure the future.
16. Call for Productivity & Patriotism – Tinubu urged citizens to produce more, buy local goods, pay taxes, and cut import dependence.
17. Unity & Shared Responsibility – He stressed collaboration across federal, state, and local governments, insisting all Nigerians must contribute to nation-building.
18. Vision of a Self-Reliant Future – He assured that “the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria” is here, closing with prayers for continued divine guidance on the nation.
