President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday addressed Nigerians in a national broadcast to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary. Here are the major highlights:
1. Nigeria has “turned the corner” – Tinubu said the worst economic pains are over and reforms are delivering results.
2. GDP growth – The economy grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years.
3. Inflation decline – Inflation dropped to 20.12% in August 2025 the lowest in three years.
4. Stronger reserves – External reserves rose to $42 billion, the highest since 2019.
5. Record non-oil revenue – Over ₦20 trillion raised by August 2025, exceeding the year’s target.
6. Debt relief – Debt service-to-revenue ratio reduced from 97% to below 50%.
7. Trade surplus – Nigeria recorded ₦7.46 trillion surplus in Q2 2025, with non-oil exports now 48%.
8. Oil rebound – Production rose to 1.68 million barrels per day, alongside domestic fuel refining.
9. Naira stabilisation– Currency volatility has eased, with multiple exchange rates abolished.
10. Social investment – ₦330 billion disbursed to 8 million poor households.
11. Youth empowerment – Over 510,000 students accessed loans under NELFUND; new credit schemes launched for youths and NYSC members.
12. Infrastructure boost – Major rail, road, and coastal highway projects underway, including the Lagos-Calabar and Eastern Rail.
13. Security gains – Military and security agencies recording victories against Boko Haram, bandits, and IPOB militants, with displaced communities returning home.
14. Message of hope – Tinubu urged Nigerians to endure short-term pains, support reforms, and embrace productivity:
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Nigeria first.”
