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| President Bola Tinubu |
Fellow Nigerians,
Today, we celebrate 65 years since our beloved nation attained independence. As we reflect on this historic milestone and our journey since October 1, 1960 when our founding fathers took up the instruments of self-government let us honour their sacrifice, vision, and enduring dream of a strong, united, and prosperous Nigeria that would lead Africa and inspire the world.
Our heroes and heroines 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, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and many others believed it was Nigeria’s destiny to stand as the foremost black nation on earth and a voice for the global African community.
Over the decades, our independence has been tested by immense social, economic, and political challenges. Yet, we have endured. While we may not have fully realized the lofty dreams of our founders, we have made remarkable progress in many areas economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and national cohesion.
At independence, Nigeria had only 120 secondary schools and about 130,000 students. By 2024, this number had grown to more than 23,000 schools. From just two tertiary institutions in 1960 the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology we now boast 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education. Our healthcare system, infrastructure, telecommunications, financial services, aviation, and defence have all seen significant growth.
As a nation, we have survived a civil war, endured years of military rule, and weathered major political crises. Through each trial, we have emerged stronger, driven by courage and an unwavering determination to build a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find purpose and fulfilment.
Fellow compatriots,
This is the third time I address you as President on Independence Day since taking office on May 29, 2023. Like those who came before me, I remain fully committed to the unfinished task of nation-building.
When my administration assumed office, we met an economy weakened by decades of distortions and mismanagement. Faced with the choice of continuing on a failing path or embracing bold reforms, we chose reform. We chose to secure tomorrow’s promise rather than cling to today’s comfort.
We ended the corrupt fuel subsidy regime and unified the multiple foreign exchange systems that enriched only a privileged few while impoverishing millions. By doing so, we redirected resources to critical investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, security, and social programmes investments that directly improve lives and opportunities across Nigeria.
I am pleased to report that we have turned the corner. The worst is behind us. Yesterday’s pain is giving way to hope. I salute your resilience, patience, and faith in this journey of renewal.
Economic Progress
Our economy is recovering faster than expected. GDP growth in Q2 2025 reached 4.23% the strongest in four years surpassing IMF projections. Inflation has declined to 20.12%, its lowest in three years. We are boosting food production to ease the cost of living.
In just over two years, we have achieved significant milestones:
Record Non-Oil Revenue: Over ₦20 trillion raised in 2025, exceeding targets, with September collections alone hitting ₦3.65 trillion.
Debt Sustainability: Debt-service-to-revenue ratio reduced from 97% to below 50%, while petroleum subsidy removal freed trillions for social and developmental investments.
Stronger Foreign Reserves: Now at $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
Trade Surplus: Five consecutive quarters of trade surplus, with manufactured exports up 173% and non-oil exports now representing 48% of total trade.
Oil Recovery: Production has rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day, supported by improved security and investments. Local refining has resumed after four decades, alongside aviation fuel exports.
Stable Currency: FX reforms have narrowed the gap between official and parallel markets, strengthening investor confidence.
Social Investment: ₦330 billion disbursed to eight million vulnerable households.
Infrastructure: Rail, road, port, and airport projects are advancing, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Kano-Kaduna rail line, and Eastern Rail Project.
Capital Markets & Ratings: Credit ratings upgraded, stock market surging to record highs, and the CBN cutting interest rates for the first time in five years.
Security
We are intensifying efforts to secure our nation. Our armed forces and security agencies are recording steady victories against terrorism, banditry, IPOB/ESN violence, and kidnappings. Peace has returned to many liberated communities, and displaced families are resettling in their homes.
Youth & Innovation
To our young people the heartbeat of this nation you are our greatest asset. Through policies and funding, we are empowering you to thrive. Initiatives like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Credicorp, and YouthCred are providing affordable loans for education, housing, digital devices, and resettlement. Over 500,000 students have already benefited from NELFUND.
We are also advancing the $600m iDICE programme, in partnership with global institutions, to support Nigeria’s digital and creative economy. These efforts are designed to give young Nigerians wings to soar in technology, sports, arts, and enterprise.
A Message of Hope
I have always been candid: reforms come with temporary hardship. Inflation and the cost of living remain challenges, but the alternative economic collapse was never an option. Together, we are laying a new and stronger foundation for lasting prosperity.
The true measure of our progress will not just be statistics but the food on our tables, the power in our homes, the quality of education for our children, and the safety of our communities.
On this 65th Independence anniversary, my message is one of hope and action. The federal government will continue to fix the foundation of our economy, but we must all contribute by producing, innovating, farming, building, paying taxes, and supporting “Made-in-Nigeria” goods.
Let us, once again, believe in the boundless potential of our nation. With Almighty God on our side, the dawn of a new, self-reliant, and prosperous Nigeria is here.
Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Amen.
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