Daud Olatunji
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the country’s most difficult days are behind them, insisting that his reforms are beginning to yield results and that the nation is on the path to renewed prosperity.
Delivering a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Tinubu said his administration deliberately chose “the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today” since assuming office in May 2023.
According to him, the tough choices, including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates, are now freeing up resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare.
“I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” Tinubu declared.
“I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour.”
The President reeled out what he described as key milestones of his economic agenda. These include a 4.23 per cent GDP growth in the second quarter of 2025 — the highest in four years — a decline in inflation to 20.12 per cent, trade surpluses for five consecutive quarters, and a sharp rise in non-oil exports which now account for 48 per cent of total trade.
Tinubu also announced that foreign reserves had risen to $42.03bn, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio improved to 13.5 per cent, and debt service costs had declined.
He added that oil production had rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day while local refining restarted for the first time in four decades.
On security, the President said troops were “winning the war against terrorism, banditry and violent crimes,” citing the return of displaced persons to several communities across the country.
He promised continued investment in security to consolidate economic progress.
The President also highlighted achievements in education and youth empowerment, including the Nigeria Education Loan Fund that has already reached over 500,000 students, and credit schemes such as Credicorp and YouthCred, which provide young Nigerians with access to housing and business loans.
He further pointed to the $600m iDICE initiative supporting the digital and creative sectors.
Acknowledging the hardship caused by his policies, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain patient.
“These reforms have come with temporary pains. But allowing our country to slide into chaos or bankruptcy was not an option,” he said.
He ended his address with a call for unity, productivity and patriotism: “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods, pay our taxes and put Nigeria first. With Almighty God on our side, I assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
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