By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that the tough economic reforms introduced by his administration are beginning to yield results, even as he urged citizens to remain hopeful about the country’s future.
In his Independence Day broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th anniversary, the President said his government inherited a fragile economy in 2023 but chose bold reforms over “business as usual.” He cited the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, and fiscal realignments as measures that have now stabilised growth.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s GDP rose by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest in four years, while inflation has fallen to 20.12 percent, the lowest in three years. He added that foreign reserves have climbed to $42 billion, debt servicing costs have dropped, and the naira has stabilised, while the country has recorded five consecutive quarters of trade surplus.
On security, the President praised the armed forces and security agencies for reclaiming territories from terrorists and bandits, stressing that peace is gradually returning to troubled regions. He also commended the sacrifices of men and women in uniform.
Tinubu described Nigerian youths as the nation’s greatest assets, highlighting initiatives such as the NELFUND student loan scheme, YouthCred for corps members, and the iDICE programme for digital and creative enterprises. He urged young people to innovate, dream big, and take ownership of Nigeria’s future.
Acknowledging the hardship many citizens still face, Tinubu assured Nigerians that their sacrifices are not in vain. “Together, we are laying a foundation for a new, self-reliant Nigeria,” he said, pledging continued investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and food security.
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