President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country’s “worst days are over,” declaring that his economic reforms are delivering results and laying the foundation for a more prosperous nation.
In his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, Tinubu said his administration had chosen “the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today” since assuming office in May 2023. He insisted that the painful decisions on subsidy removal and exchange rate unification were necessary to reset the economy.
“I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. The worst is over, I say,” Tinubu affirmed.
The President highlighted economic milestones achieved in the last two years, including 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025, inflation dropping to 20.12%, rising foreign reserves at $42.03 billion, and a surge in non-oil exports. He added that oil production had risen to 1.68 million barrels per day while local refining had restarted for the first time in four decades.
Tinubu also pointed to improvements in Nigeria’s credit ratings, a booming stock market, and the Central Bank’s first interest rate cut in five years as signs of renewed investor confidence.
On national security, he said the armed forces were winning the fight against terrorism, banditry, and separatist violence, allowing displaced persons to return home.
He further outlined achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, including the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Credicorp, and YouthCred schemes, as well as the $600 million iDICE programme to support the digital and creative economy.
Acknowledging the hardship caused by reforms, Tinubu appealed for patience: “The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into chaos or bankruptcy was not an option.”
Concluding his speech, he urged Nigerians to embrace productivity, unity, and patriotism. “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. With Almighty God on our side, the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
