President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast, paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers while defending his administration’s tough economic reforms.
He admitted that Nigerians are “racing against time” to fix decades of underinvestment in power, roads, and infrastructure, but assured that the country has “turned the corner” towards recovery.
Tinubu also pledged more support for youth, security and social welfare, stressing his vision of a prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria.
Here are 18 major takeaways from Tinubu’s Independence Day speech
1. Tribute to Independence Heroes – Tinubu honoured nationalist leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo and others, reaffirming their dream of a prosperous and united Nigeria.
2. Acknowledgement of National Progress – He highlighted advancements since 1960 in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology, citing the expansion from 120 secondary schools to over 23,000, and from 2 tertiary institutions to more than 690 today.
3. Resilience Through Challenges – Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s survival of the civil war, military rule, and political crises, stressing the nation’s determination to overcome adversity.
4. Commitment to Nation-Building – He said his administration is carrying on the “unfinished business” of building a stronger Nigeria, in line with the sacrifices of past leaders.
5. Inherited a Weak Economy – Tinubu stated that his government met a near-collapsed economy due to decades of policy mismanagement.
6. Bold Economic Reforms – He justified ending fuel subsidies and unifying the exchange rate system, noting these steps freed funds for education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure.
7. Economic Recovery Signs – Nigeria recorded 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025 (fastest in 4 years), inflation dropped to 20.12%, and external reserves grew to $42bn.
8. 12 Key Economic Milestones –
o Record non-oil revenue above ₦20 trillion by August 2025.
o Tax-to-GDP ratio up to 13.5%.
o 5 consecutive quarters of trade surplus, with non-oil exports rising to 48%.
o Oil production rebounded to 1.68m bpd, with local PMS refining resuming.
o Naira stabilised; multiple FX rates abolished.
o ₦330bn disbursed to 8m poor households.
o Coal and solid minerals sector booming.
o Major rail, road, seaport, and airport projects ongoing.
o Stock market hit record highs; credit rating upgraded; CBN cut interest rates.
9. Infrastructure Gap Acknowledged – Tinubu admitted Nigeria still lacks sufficient electricity, modern ports, and world-class roads due to past underinvestment, but vowed to correct this.
10. Improved Security Situation – He praised the armed forces for victories against Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, and banditry, noting peace has returned to many communities in the North-East and North-West.
11. Youth Empowerment Measures – He called youths Nigeria’s greatest asset and highlighted programmes such as:
• NELFUND: Over 510,000 students benefitted with nearly ₦100bn in loans.
• Credicorp: ₦30bn loans granted for vehicles, housing, solar energy, and devices.
• YouthCred: NYSC members accessing consumer credit.
• iDICE: Multi-billion Naira programme to support digital and creative industries.
12. Support for Vulnerable Citizens – Over 8 million households have benefitted from social investment cash transfers.
13. Global Recognition of Reforms – Sovereign credit ratings improved, foreign investors are showing confidence, and the Nigerian stock market hit unprecedented highs.
14. Central Bank Policy Shift – Interest rates were cut for the first time in 5 years, reflecting restored macroeconomic stability.
15. Message of Hope Amid Hardship – Tinubu acknowledged inflation and rising living costs but insisted reforms were necessary to avoid bankruptcy and secure the future.
16. Call for Productivity & Patriotism – He urged Nigerians to produce more, patronise made-in-Nigeria goods, pay taxes, and reduce dependence on imports.
17. Unity & Shared Responsibility – He appealed for collaboration across federal, state, and local governments, stressing that everyone must play a role in nation-building.
18. Vision of a Self-Reliant Future – He assured Nigerians that “the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria” is here, closing with a prayer for God’s continued blessing on the nation.