By Gideon Maxwell
October 1, 2026
Marking Nigeria,s 66th Independence Anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a comprehensive national broadcast on Thursday, declaring that the country has successfully navigated its most turbulent economic trials, entering a definitive new age of prosperity.
Speaking under the theme of reforms to prosperity, the President reflected on the long journey since gaining sovereignty.
He noted that while the path has been arduous, marked by war, military rule, economic crises, and political upheaval, the indomitable spirit of Nigerians has consistently sustained the country through every difficulty.
Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the everyday resilience of farmers who rise before dawn, traders who open shops in hope, teachers molding future generations, young entrepreneurs refusing to surrender to circumstance, and the armed forces placing themselves in harm,s way for peace.
He emphasized that the founding fathers fought not merely for a flag or an anthem, but for a larger promise of freedom, opportunity, dignity, and a better life for all citizens.
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Transitioning to current governance, the President stated that for too long, progress was undermined by leaders who postponed difficult choices and allowed deep economic distortions to fester.
Recalling the dark economic reality of 2023 where poverty was rising and hope was fading, Tinubu likened the condition to a cancer patient facing a painful treatment choice.
He criticized past administrations for choosing morphine to dull symptoms rather than undergoing rigorous treatment, warning citizens against the siren song of regressive voices pushing for a return to addictive subsidies.
Turning to tangible progress three and a half years into his administration, Tinubu reported that economic growth has exceeded four percent this year, driven by contributions from both oil and non oil sectors.
He highlighted a substantial decline in inflation, stabilized foreign exchange markets, rebuilt foreign reserves, and record breaking non oil export revenues surpassing six billion dollars in 2025.
Stressing that these are verifiable achievements recognized by international observers, non governmental organizations, multilateral institutions, and the private sector, he declared that the emergency stabilization phase is officially over.
With the foundation repaired, the central objective of the administration has officially shifted from crisis correction to shared, widespread prosperity.
Defining prosperity beyond abstract statistics, Tinubu explained it as a reality where farmers produce safely and profitably, factories have reliable power, and families can afford education, food, and transportation.
Outlining the economic blueprint, the President prioritized reducing the cost of living by lowering production and transportation costs across the country.
He detailed government investments in mechanized irrigation, dry season farming, seed and fertilizer access, and robust storage and transportation networks to connect farms to markets.
Addressing the massive youth demographic, Tinubu pledged to place jobs, industrial growth, and digital connectivity at the forefront, utilizing natural gas to power new industries and domestic manufacturing.
Acknowledging that millions of citizens cannot wait for long term growth, the President outlined active social intervention frameworks designed to lift people out of poverty without leaving vulnerable groups behind.
He cited the strengthening of the national social register, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund for tertiary education, and the consumer credit initiative for acquiring vehicles and solar systems.
Tinubu also noted that since 2023, the government has consistently paid salaries and pensions on time and in full while reforming national pension programs to protect retirees.
Affirming that these welfare programs serve as bridges rather than substitutes for growth, he declared that the ultimate goal is not to manage poverty, but to defeat it.
Concluding the address with a powerful scriptural motif, Tinubu declared that Nigeria has successfully passed through its own red sea.
Urging the nation not to look back, President Tinubu wished all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Day, invoking divine blessings upon the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
