Marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a speech that blended hard economic realities with hopeful projections, urging Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s future by shifting from a consumption-driven economy to a production-driven nation of builders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
“We must be a nation that produces what we consume. We must farm, build factories, set up industries, and patronize our local goods. This is the path to prosperity and self-reliance,” the president declared.
Takeaway 1 – Economic Recovery and Reforms
The president emphasized that his administration inherited a “near-collapsed economy,” burdened by years of distortions and unsustainable practices. However, through bold reforms—most notably the removal of fuel subsidies and the elimination of multiple foreign exchange rates—the government has begun to restore credibility and redirect resources into productive sectors.
Key economic wins highlighted include:
- GDP Growth: The economy expanded by 4.23% in Q2 2025, the strongest performance in four years.
- Inflation Relief: Headline inflation has declined to 20.12%, its lowest point in three years.
- Stronger Reserves: External reserves now stand at $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
- Trade Surplus: Nigeria has recorded five consecutive quarters of trade surpluses, with non-oil exports rising to account for nearly half of all exports.
- Debt Sustainability: The debt service-to-revenue ratio has dropped significantly—from nearly 97% in recent years to below 50%.
“These figures tell the story of a nation that has begun to heal,” Tinubu said.
Takeaway 2 – Investing in People and Communities
The president was keen to link economic reform to tangible human benefits.
- Social Investment: Over 8 million vulnerable households have received N330 billion in direct support.
- Education & Youth Support: The NELFUND student loan scheme has reached more than 510,000 students. Youth-focused credit programs (Credicorp and YouthCred) are opening access to housing, renewable energy solutions, and digital devices.
- Innovation & Creativity: Through initiatives like iDICE, Tinubu said Nigeria is nurturing its digital economy and creative industries to empower a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Takeaway 3 – Infrastructure and Connectivity
Tinubu outlined an ambitious pipeline of infrastructure projects to break the cycle of underdevelopment and connect markets across Nigeria:
- Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto–Badagry Highway for improved trade corridors.
- Eastern Rail Project (with $3 billion funding secured) and the Kaduna–Kano and Kano–Katsina–Maradi rail lines to boost transport and logistics.
- Expansions in water and rail transport, with double-digit growth, point to a shift away from over-dependence on road transport.
“These are investments in our collective future,” he said. “They will outlive us and serve generations yet unborn.”
Takeaway 4 – Security Gains and National Unity
On security, Tinubu praised the courage of the armed forces and security agencies, pointing to significant victories against insurgents in the North East, bandits in the North West, and separatist militias in the South East.
He said the return of displaced communities and the restoration of livelihoods were signs that peace and stability were gradually taking root.
Takeaway 5 – Shared Responsibility: From Consumers to Producers
While the president highlighted government progress, his strongest appeal was directed at citizens themselves.
“True prosperity will not come from government alone. It will come when every Nigerian takes up the mantle of responsibility—when we stop being mere consumers and begin to be producers, innovators, and builders.”
He called on Nigerians to farm, build factories, establish industries, innovate in technology, and support local goods—framing these as the pillars of national renewal. He also urged state and local governments to align their policies with the federal drive for self-reliance.
The Dawn of Renewal
President Tinubu ended his address with an optimistic vision:
“The dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here. The worst is behind us. Let us march forward together in faith and unity, to build the Nigeria of our dreams.”
From PulseinNews.com – We join other Nigerians to say, God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.