Nigeria at 65: Tinubu Declares Worst is Over, Says Reforms Yielding Results

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By: Imran Musa

Abuja, Oct. 1, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the nation’s economy is firmly on the path of recovery, declaring that the worst is over following the far-reaching reforms introduced by his administration.

In his third Independence Anniversary broadcast since assuming office in May 2023, the President said the tough decisions taken in the last two years—such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates—are beginning to yield tangible results, with improved revenues, stronger reserves, and declining inflation.

“Our economy is recovering fast. The second quarter 2025 GDP grew by 4.23 per cent, the fastest pace in four years, while inflation declined to 20.12 per cent in August, the lowest in three years,” Tinubu said.

He highlighted 12 major economic milestones achieved under his government, including record non-oil revenue of over N20 trillion, restoration of fiscal health with reduced debt service ratio, a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters, and increased oil production to 1.68 million barrels per day. The President also noted that Nigeria’s foreign reserves had risen to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.

On social welfare, Tinubu disclosed that N330 billion has so far been disbursed to eight million vulnerable households under the government’s social investment programme. He also cited the student loan scheme (NELFUND), YouthCred, and other credit initiatives aimed at empowering students, corps members, and young entrepreneurs.

Addressing security, the President commended the armed forces for their sacrifices, noting that peace has returned to hundreds of liberated communities in the North-East and North-West. He assured that the war against terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes is being won.

Tinubu urged the nation’s youth to continue to innovate, dream big, and take advantage of government programmes supporting technology, digital enterprises, and creative industries.

While acknowledging that Nigerians are still grappling with the effects of inflation and high living costs, he maintained that the sacrifices were necessary to prevent economic collapse.

“The true measure of our progress will not only be in statistics but in the food on our tables, the electricity in our homes, the schools for our children, and the safety in our communities,” he said.

Calling for unity, patriotism, and productivity, Tinubu appealed to Nigerians to embrace “Made-in-Nigeria” goods, pay taxes, and contribute to nation-building.

“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria”

Published on

October 1, 2025, 13:20 +00:00

AUTHOR

Saratu Ashafa