Abuja, October 1, 2025 – In a stirring national address marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrated the nation’s resilience, outlined significant economic and social achievements, and called for collective action to build a prosperous and united Nigeria. Speaking from the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President reflected on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing longstanding challenges while laying the foundation for a brighter future.
A Historic Milestone: Reflecting on 65 Years of Nationhood
In his third Independence Day address since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and mothers, whose sacrifices paved the way for self-governance. He invoked the names of nationalist icons such as Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. “These pioneers believed Nigeria was destined to lead the African continent and serve as a beacon of hope for the black race,” Tinubu said, emphasizing their vision of a strong, prosperous, and united nation.
The President acknowledged that Nigeria’s 65-year journey has been marked by both triumphs and trials. “We have faced profound social, economic, and political challenges, yet we have survived,” he stated, referencing the 1967–1970 Civil War, periods of military rule, and political crises that tested the nation’s resilience. Despite these challenges, Tinubu highlighted significant progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social cohesion since 1960.
At independence, Nigeria had just 120 secondary schools serving approximately 130,000 students and only two tertiary institutions—the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology. By 2024, the country boasted over 23,000 secondary schools, 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education, reflecting a dramatic expansion in educational access. Healthcare has also seen remarkable advancements, with thousands of hospitals and clinics established and improvements in life expectancy and disease control. Infrastructure development, including roads, airports, and telecommunications, has transformed Nigeria into a regional hub, while cultural exports like Nollywood and Afrobeats have elevated the nation’s global profile.
However, Tinubu was candid about the challenges that remain. “While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebears, we have not strayed too far from their vision,” he said, noting that poverty, inequality, and insecurity continue to demand attention. He emphasized that Nigeria’s cultural diversity, once a potential source of division, has become a strength, fostering unity and creativity that resonate worldwide.
Bold Reforms Yield Economic Turnaround
A central theme of the President’s address was the economic transformation achieved through his administration’s bold reforms. Upon taking office, Tinubu inherited an economy teetering on the brink of collapse due to decades of fiscal mismanagement, including corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that enriched a few while impoverishing the masses. “We faced a simple choice: continue business as usual and watch our nation drift, or embark on a courageous reform path,” he said. “We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today.”
The decision to eliminate fuel subsidies and unify exchange rates was met with initial hardship, including rising costs and public discontent. However, Tinubu reported that these reforms have begun to yield tangible results, positioning Nigeria for sustainable growth. “The worst is over,” he declared, saluting Nigerians for their endurance and support. “The seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit.”
The President outlined 12 key economic milestones achieved in the past 28 months, underscoring the impact of his administration’s fiscal and monetary policies:
Record Non-Oil Revenue Growth: By August 2025, Nigeria achieved its non-oil revenue target of over N20 trillion, with September alone generating N3.65 trillion—a 411% increase from May 2023. This shift reduces reliance on volatile oil revenues and strengthens economic resilience.
Restored Fiscal Health: The debt service-to-revenue ratio has dropped from 97% to below 50%, and the notorious “Ways and Means” advances, which fueled inflation, have been paid down. The removal of fuel subsidies has freed up trillions of naira for investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Robust Foreign Reserves: Nigeria’s external reserves reached $42.03 billion in September 2025, the highest since 2019, bolstering the naira’s stability and enhancing the country’s global financial standing.
Improved Tax-to-GDP Ratio: The tax-to-GDP ratio rose from less than 10% to 13.5%, with further gains expected from a new tax law set to take effect in January 2026. The law aims to expand the tax base while providing relief to low-income earners.
Trade Surplus Success: Nigeria has recorded trade surpluses for five consecutive quarters, with a 44.3% increase to N7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion) in Q2 2025. Non-oil exports now account for 48% of export trade, signaling a diversified economy.
Oil Sector Recovery: Oil production rebounded from one million barrels per day in May 2023 to 1.68 million barrels per day, driven by improved security and stakeholder engagement in the Niger Delta. Nigeria has also begun refining PMS domestically and emerged as Africa’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.
Naira Stabilization: Foreign exchange reforms and capital inflows have stabilized the naira, narrowing the gap between official and unofficial rates. The currency is no longer tied to fluctuations in global oil prices.
Social Investment Expansion: N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households under the social investment program, providing direct support to vulnerable Nigerians.
Solid Minerals Boom: The solid minerals sector, particularly coal mining, grew by 57.5% in Q2 2025, becoming a key driver of economic diversification.
Infrastructure Development: Investments in rail, roads, airports, and seaports have accelerated, with projects like the Kano-Kastina-Maradi rail and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway nearing completion.
Global Recognition: Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded Nigeria’s outlook, and the stock market has surged from 55,000 points in May 2023 to 142,000 points by September 2025.
Monetary Policy Confidence: The Central Bank’s recent decision to cut interest rates for the first time in five years reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability.
Economic analysts have praised the administration’s reforms but caution that sustaining these gains requires continued vigilance. Dr. Amina Yusuf, an economist at the Lagos Business School, noted, “The increase in non-oil revenue and trade surpluses is a significant achievement, but the government must address structural issues like power supply and bureaucratic inefficiencies to maintain this trajectory.”
Security Gains Pave the Way for Stability
President Tinubu also highlighted significant progress in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, which have long hindered economic and social development. He commended the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. “They are winning the war against Boko Haram in the North-East, IPOB/ESN in the South-East, and banditry in the North-West,” he said, noting that hundreds of communities have been liberated, allowing thousands of displaced Nigerians to return home.
Security expert Col. Hassan Abdullahi (retd.) described the gains as “encouraging but incomplete.” He emphasized the need for sustained investment in security infrastructure and community engagement to prevent the resurgence of insurgencies. “The return of peace to many communities is a testament to the military’s efforts, but long-term stability requires addressing the root causes of unrest, such as poverty and unemployment,” he said.
Empowering Nigeria’s Youth
A key focus of the address was the empowerment of Nigeria’s youth, whom Tinubu described as “the future and greatest assets of this blessed country.” He highlighted initiatives aimed at providing young Nigerians with opportunities to excel in education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed N99.5 billion in loans and N44.7 billion in upkeep allowances to 510,000 students across 228 higher institutions. The Consumer Credit Corporation (Credicorp) has provided N30 billion in affordable loans to 153,000 Nigerians for vehicles, solar energy, and home upgrades. YouthCred, a program supporting NYSC members with consumer credit, has empowered tens of thousands of young graduates.
The Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program, set to launch in collaboration with international partners like the African Development Bank, aims to transform Nigeria’s technology and creative sectors. “Our young people are conquering new frontiers in science, technology, sports, and the arts,” Tinubu said, pledging to provide them with the resources to “fly sky-high.”
Youth activist Funke Adebayo welcomed the initiatives but called for greater transparency in their implementation. “Programmes like NELFUND and iDICE are game-changers, but the government must ensure equitable access, especially for youths in rural areas,” she said.
A Call for Collective Action
Acknowledging the hardships caused by reforms, including inflation and rising living costs, Tinubu assured Nigerians that these sacrifices have not been in vain. “The accurate measure of our success lies in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,” he said. He emphasized that state and local government autonomy has led to increased development at the grassroots level.
The President called on all Nigerians—government, private sector, and citizens—to embrace productivity, innovation, and patriotism. “Let us farm our land, build factories, and patronize made-in-Nigeria goods,” he urged, advocating for a nation of producers rather than consumers. He also stressed the importance of tax compliance to fund national development.
A Vision for the Future
In closing, President Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring that “the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.” He called for unity and collective effort to realize the nation’s boundless potential, invoking divine guidance to bless Nigeria’s journey.
As the nation celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary, analysts and citizens alike reflect on the progress made and the challenges ahead. “The administration’s reforms have set Nigeria on a path to recovery, but sustaining this momentum requires inclusive policies and accountability,” said Dr. Chidi Okonkwo, a political analyst. For many Nigerians, the President’s message of hope resonates, but its success will depend on tangible improvements in their daily lives.
