Reflecting on Nigeria’s Journey and Founding Heroes

On October 1, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a landmark address to Nigerians, commemorating the 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence. In his national broadcast, Tinubu reflected on the nation’s journey since 1960, paid tribute to founding heroes, and outlined his administration’s achievements and ongoing initiatives across economic, security, youth, and social sectors.

President Tinubu began his address by celebrating 65 years of Nigeria’s nationhood, recalling the moment on October 1, 1960, when the founding fathers accepted instruments of self-government from colonial authorities.

He urged Nigerians to remember the sacrifices and grand vision of these pioneers, who dreamed of a strong, united, and prosperous Nigeria capable of leading Africa and shining as a beacon to the rest of the world.

He highlighted the contributions of iconic Nigerian figures such as Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, emphasizing their belief that Nigeria was destined to become the largest black nation and a global leader for Africans.

Tinubu reflected on the historical challenges Nigeria has faced over six and a half decades, including civil wars, military dictatorships, and political instability, asserting that despite these trials, Nigerians have endured with resilience and determination. He highlighted the nation’s impressive progress in education, noting that at independence there were only 120 secondary schools and approximately 130,000 students.

By 2024, Nigeria had over 23,000 secondary schools. Similarly, higher education expanded from just the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology to 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education. This growth, according to Tinubu, mirrors progress in other sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, aviation, and defence.

He acknowledged that the nation’s journey has included both highs and lows, emphasizing that Nigeria has weathered numerous challenges yet continues striving toward a more perfect union, where every citizen can find purpose and fulfilment.

Marking his third Independence Day address since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to nation-building, drawing inspiration from the dedication of past leaders.

Economic Recovery and National Reforms

The President detailed the economic state inherited by his administration, describing it as a near-collapsed economy plagued by decades of fiscal policy distortions. Faced with a choice between maintaining the status quo or implementing bold reforms, his administration opted for transformative action.

This included ending corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates, which had created a rentier economy benefiting only a small elite while leaving the majority impoverished. The resulting savings were redirected toward education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, critical infrastructure such as roads, power, and broadband, and social investment programs designed to improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

Tinubu stressed the urgency of repairing roads, building schools and hospitals, increasing electricity access, and developing seaports, railways, and international airports. He acknowledged the underinvestment of previous decades but assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to correcting these deficiencies. Expressing optimism, he declared that “the worst is over” and commended Nigerians for their endurance, patience, and support, pledging continued dedication to steering the nation toward stability and growth.

On the economic front, Tinubu highlighted key indicators showing tangible progress. In the second quarter of 2025, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%, outpacing the International Monetary Fund’s projected 3.4%, marking the fastest pace in four years. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years, and agricultural policies aimed at boosting food production were reducing costs and improving food security.

Achievements of Tinubu’s Administration

Over the past two years, Tinubu claimed 12 significant economic milestones had been achieved. Non-oil revenue exceeded N20 trillion in 2025, with September alone raising N3.65 trillion, over four times the revenue collected in May 2023.

Fiscal health improved, as the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from 97% to below 50%, and advances that threatened economic stability were repaid. Foreign reserves increased to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019, while the tax-to-GDP ratio rose to 13.5% with further increases expected under the new tax law designed to expand the tax base rather than burden existing taxpayers.

Tinubu also reported that Nigeria has become a net exporter for five consecutive quarters, with a trade surplus of ₦7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion) in the second quarter of 2025, representing a 44.3% increase from previous years. Non-oil exports now account for 48% of total exports, signalling diversification away from oil dependency.

Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day, supported by improved security and domestic refining of petroleum products. The Naira stabilized, multiple exchange rates were eliminated, and the currency rate no longer fluctuates solely with oil prices.

Under social investment programs, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households. Coal mining and solid minerals experienced remarkable growth, with mining increasing by 57.5% in the second quarter of 2025.

Transport infrastructure expanded across roads, rail, airports, and seaports, with major projects including the Kano-Kastina-Maradi and Kaduna-Kano rail lines, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and Sokoto-Badagry Highway nearing completion.

Sovereign credit ratings improved, the stock market surged from 55,000 points in May 2023 to 142,000 points by September 26, 2025, and interest rates were reduced for the first time in five years by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

On security, Tinubu praised the armed forces and security agencies for significant gains in combating Boko Haram in the North-East, IPOB/ESN activities in the South-East, and general banditry and kidnapping nationwide. Peace has returned to hundreds of liberated communities, allowing displaced citizens to return safely to their homes.

Youth Empowerment, Hope, and a Call to Action

Tinubu issued a strong message to Nigerian youth, describing them as the nation’s future and greatest assets. Initiatives such as NELFUND, which has disbursed N99.5 billion in loans to 510,000 students across 228 higher institutions, Credicorp, which has provided N30 billion in affordable loans to 153,000 Nigerians, and YouthCred for NYSC members, were highlighted as key programs to empower young Nigerians. The iDICE program, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and other partners, was presented as a platform supporting young innovators and creatives in technology and arts.

While acknowledging that reforms have caused temporary economic pains, Tinubu emphasized that these sacrifices were necessary to prevent economic chaos or potential bankruptcy.

He reinforced that the real measure of success lies in improving citizens’ daily lives through better food security, quality education, electricity access, and community safety. The administration has ensured that resources and stability are directed toward these critical areas, and that autonomy at state and local government levels is yielding visible development.

Tinubu called on all Nigerians to complement government efforts by engaging in productive activities such as farming, building factories, producing and patronizing Made-in-Nigeria goods, and paying taxes. He reiterated a “Nigeria First” policy, urging citizens to prioritize local production, consumption, and innovation to strengthen self-reliance.

He concluded his address with a message of hope and unity, stressing that the nation’s potential is boundless and that every citizen has a role to play in building a prosperous Nigeria. With Almighty God’s guidance, Tinubu declared that a new, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria is emerging and wished all Nigerians a happy 65th Independence Day, reinforcing pride, patriotism, and collective responsibility.

(All Images are from Twitter)