Nigeria @65: What Tinubu said on security, economy, youth development, others
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday delivered a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, highlighting what he described as the successes of his administration in the economy, security, and youth empowerment.
Tinubu said his government inherited a near-collapsed economy in May 2023 but made the tough decision to embark on fundamental reforms, including ending fuel subsidies and unifying foreign exchange rates.
According to him, these measures are now bearing fruit as the economy grows at its fastest pace in four years.
He announced that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, while inflation had declined to 20.12 per cent in August, the lowest level in three years.
The president also reported a surge in non-oil revenue, which surpassed ₦20 trillion by August 2025, and an improvement in the country’s external reserves, now at $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
He said oil production had risen to 1.68 million barrels per day, while non-oil exports had expanded significantly, accounting for nearly half of Nigeria’s trade.
He added that the naira had stabilised after years of volatility and that the debt-service-to-revenue ratio had been reduced to below 50 per cent. In his words, “Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.”
On security, Tinubu praised the armed forces and other security agencies, insisting that they are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and violent crime. He said peace has returned to many communities in the North-East and North-West, allowing thousands of displaced people to return to their homes.
Turning to the youth, the president described young Nigerians as the country’s greatest assets and assured them of continuous support through various initiatives.
He highlighted the National Education Loan Fund, which has already benefited more than half a million students across 36 states and the FCT, the Credicorp scheme which has provided affordable loans to over 153,000 Nigerians, and YouthCred, which is now extending credit to corps members under the NYSC programme.
He also pointed to the forthcoming Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises programme, designed to support innovation in the technology and creative industries in collaboration with international development partners.
While acknowledging that many Nigerians are still struggling with the rising cost of living, Tinubu maintained that the government’s reforms were necessary to avoid economic collapse.
He emphasised that the true measure of progress would not only be in economic statistics but in the food families can afford, the education available to children, the electricity in homes, and the safety of communities.
He concluded his address with a message of unity and hope, urging citizens to embrace productivity, innovation and patriotism. “With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he said.
