10 things to note in Tinubu’s 65th Independence Day broadcast

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his 65th Independence Day broadcast on Wednesday, assured Nigerians that the nation’s most difficult economic period is behind it, saying his reforms are already producing results.

Tinubu urged citizens to remain patient and hopeful, stressing that “the worst is over, and prosperity is near.”

The President highlighted a series of achievements under his administration, linking them to ongoing reforms.

Here are the key highlights of the address:

Economic growth

Tinubu said Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, while inflation eased to 20.12%, the lowest in three years. He credited this to tough reforms, including the removal of subsidies and unification of the exchange rate, which have redirected resources to the productive sector.

He stated, “Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results. The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%—Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years—and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years. The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs.

“In the last two years of our administration, we have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of our sound fiscal and monetary policies.

“We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the amount raised in May 2023.”

2. Stronger reserves

According to him, external reserves have risen to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019, while Nigeria now records consistent trade surpluses. This, he said, shows growing investor confidence in the economy.

He stated, “We have a stronger foreign Reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September—the highest since 2019.”

3. Fiscal Stability

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

He explained that this gives the government more fiscal space to invest in health, education, infrastructure, and social welfare.

He said, “We have restored Fiscal Health: Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous “Ways and Means” advances that threatened our economic stability and triggered inflation.

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

4. Oil & Energy Sector

The President announced that crude oil production has increased to 1.68 million barrels per day. He also celebrated the resumption of domestic petrol refining after four decades, saying this will strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on imports.

He said, “Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023. The increase occurred due to improved security, new investments, and better stakeholder management in the Niger Delta.

“Furthermore, the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades. It has also established itself as the continent’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.”

5. Infrastructure Drive

Tinubu said major projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Kano–Maradi rail line, are progressing steadily.

He described these as transformative investments that will boost trade, jobs, and national connectivity.

6. Social Investments

He revealed that over ₦330bn has been disbursed to eight million vulnerable households through the Social Investment Programme. He also highlighted YouthCred and Credicorp initiatives, designed to provide loans to households and young Nigerians.

7. Student Loans

More than 510,000 students have already benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Tinubu said, describing it as a milestone in making higher education accessible regardless of background.

8. Security Gains

The President said security forces are reclaiming territories from terrorists and bandits, with displaced persons in the North-East and North-West gradually returning to their homes.

He assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to defeating insecurity.

9. Youth Empowerment

Tinubu praised the ingenuity of Nigerian youths, citing initiatives like iDICE, student loan schemes, and creative industry funds as deliberate efforts to empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

He noted, “I have a message for our young people. You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector.

“Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high. We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits. Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.”