By Joy Yesufu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the country has “turned the corner” and that “the worst is over,” as his administration’s tough reforms begin to yield results.
In his 65th Independence Day broadcast, Tinubu acknowledged the pains caused by subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms but maintained that the sacrifices are already paying off with economic stability, growth, and improved national revenue.
“Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding,” the president said.
Tinubu announced that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years, while inflation dropped to 20.12% in August, the lowest in three years.
He also highlighted rising oil production, a stronger naira, and record-breaking non-oil revenues of ₦20 trillion by August 2025.
The president stressed that his administration ended the “corrupt fuel subsidy” and multiple exchange rates, freeing trillions of Naira for investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and infrastructure.
He further cited progress in rail, road, and port projects, as well as improvements in coal mining, trade surpluses, and foreign reserves, now at $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
On security, Tinubu commended the Armed Forces for “winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes,” noting that peace has returned to several previously troubled communities in the North-East and North-West.
Turning to the youth, Tinubu said they remain Nigeria’s “greatest asset” and outlined support through student loans, consumer credit schemes, and the forthcoming iDICE programme to boost technology and the creative industries.
While admitting that many Nigerians still struggle with high costs of living, Tinubu pledged that his administration would ensure the reforms translate into “food on the table, electricity in homes, quality education for children, and safety in communities.”
He called on sub-national governments and citizens to embrace productivity, innovation, and patronage of locally made goods.
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us put Nigeria first,” he urged.
Tinubu closed with a message of hope: “With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
