10 THINGS TO NOTE IN TINUBU’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY BROADCAST

By Sunmisola Shodayo 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his 65th Independence Day address on Wednesday, assured Nigerians that the country’s most challenging economic phase is in the past, asserting that his reforms are yielding results.

Tinubu encouraged citizens to exercise patience and maintain optimism, emphasizing that “the worst has concluded, and prosperity is on the horizon. ”

The President underscored a series of accomplishments during his administration, attributing them to the ongoing reforms.

Key highlights of the address include:

1. Economic Growth

Tinubu reported that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, while inflation receded to 20.12%, the lowest in three years. He attributed this improvement to stringent reforms, including the elimination of subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate, which have redirected resources to the productive sector.

He declared, “Under our guidance, our economy is rebounding swiftly, and the reforms initiated over two years ago are delivering concrete outcomes. The second quarter 2025 GDP grew by 4.23%—Nigeria’s most rapid growth in four years—significantly exceeding the 3.4% anticipated by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation fell to 20.12% in August 2025, reaching the lowest level in three years. The administration is diligently working to enhance agricultural production and ensure food security, thereby decreasing food prices.

“In the last two years of our governance, we have attained 12 significant economic milestones due to the execution of our prudent fiscal and monetary policies.

“We have achieved a record-breaking surge in non-oil revenue, reaching the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we generated N3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the sum collected in May 2023. ”

2. Stronger Reserves

He indicated that external reserves have climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest level since 2019, while Nigeria now consistently records trade surpluses. This, he noted, reflects increasing investor confidence in the economy.

He expressed, “We now possess a more robust foreign reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves rose to $42.03 billion this September—the highest since 2019.”

3. Fiscal Stability

Tinubu remarked that the debt service-to-revenue ratio has decreased from 97% in 2022 to below 50% today.

He elaborated that this development provides the government with greater fiscal flexibility to invest in health, education, infrastructure, and social welfare.

He stated, “We have restored Fiscal Health: Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has dramatically declined from 97% to below 50%. We have repaid the notorious ‘Ways and Means’ advances that jeopardized our economic stability and triggered inflation.

“Following the elimination of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have liberated trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programs for the most vulnerable, as well as for all tiers of government. ”

4. Oil & Energy Sector

The President announced that crude oil production has risen to 1.68 million barrels per day. He also celebrated the resumption of domestic petrol refining after a span of four decades, asserting that this will bolster energy security and reduce reliance on imports.

He stated, “Oil output surged to 1.68 million barrels per day, recovering from a mere one million in May 2023. This rise was attributed to enhanced security, new investments, and improved stakeholder engagement in the Niger Delta.

“Moreover, the nation has achieved significant progress by refining Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) domestically for the first time in forty years. It has also positioned itself as the premier exporter of aviation fuel on the continent. ”

5. Infrastructure Initiatives

Tinubu indicated that significant projects, such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Kano–Maradi railway, are advancing steadily.

He characterized these as transformative investments that will enhance trade, create jobs, and bolster national connectivity.

6. Social Investments

He disclosed that over ₦330 billion has been allocated to eight million vulnerable households through the Social Investment Programme. He also emphasized the YouthCred and Credicorp initiatives, aimed at providing loans to families and young Nigerians.

7. Student Loans

More than 510,000 students have already reaped benefits from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Tinubu remarked, referring to it as a landmark achievement in facilitating access to higher education irrespective of one’s background.

8. Security Improvements

The President noted that security forces are reclaiming territories from terrorists and bandits, with displaced individuals in the North-East and North-West gradually returning home.

He reassured Nigerians of the government’s unwavering commitment to combating insecurity.

9. Youth Empowerment

Tinubu commended the creativity of Nigerian youth, citing programs such as iDICE, student loan initiatives, and creative industry funds as intentional efforts to empower the upcoming generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

He conveyed, “I have a message for our young people. You represent the future and the greatest assets of this blessed nation. You must continue to aspire ambitiously, innovate, and conquer new frontiers in your respective fields of science, technology, sports, and the arts and creative industries.

“Our administration, through policies and funding, will persist in giving you the opportunity to soar to great heights. We established NELFUND to assist students with loans for their educational endeavors. Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, encompassing 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loans disbursed amounted to ₦99.5 billion, with the upkeep allowance at ₦44.7 billion. ”

10. Unity & Nationhood

The President honored Nigeria’s founding fathers, encouraging citizens to draw inspiration from their vision of unity and greatness.

He urged Nigerians to embrace patriotism, support local production, and fulfill civic responsibilities, such as paying taxes, to strengthen the country.