Tinubu’s 65th Independence Day Broadcast: “The Dawn of a New Nigeria Is Here”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is firmly on the path of renewal as he addressed the nation on its 65th Independence Anniversary, October 1, 2025. Reflecting on the nation’s journey since independence in 1960, the President honoured the sacrifices of heroes and heroines such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, whose dream was for a united and prosperous Nigeria that would inspire Africa and the black race.

Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria’s promise has often been tested by civil war, political instability, dictatorship, economic crises, and insecurity. Yet, he said, Nigerians have endured with courage and determination. He noted that his administration inherited a near-collapsed economy in 2023 but chose bold reforms instead of business as usual. Fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification and fiscal restructuring, he explained, have redirected wealth from corruption and rent-seeking into critical investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and security.

According to him, the sacrifices are beginning to yield results: the economy grew by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, inflation fell to its lowest in three years at 20.12 percent, external reserves rose to $42.03 billion and non-oil exports surged to 48 percent of trade. He reported a trade surplus for five straight quarters, oil production recovery to 1.68 million barrels per day and a stabilised naira that no longer fluctuates solely with global oil prices. Tinubu added that Nigeria’s stock market had reached unprecedented levels, while international rating agencies have upgraded the country’s outlook.

He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Eastern Rail Project, and the Kano-Katsina-Maradi line, alongside social programmes like cash transfers to eight million households and student loans through NELFUND. He praised the armed forces for their sacrifices, saying their victories have restored peace in many communities once terrorised by insurgents, bandits and kidnappers.

Addressing young Nigerians, the President described them as the nation’s greatest asset and pointed to initiatives such as YouthCred for NYSC members, Credicorp loans for affordable housing and digital tools and the iDICE programme for creative and tech entrepreneurs. “You must continue to dream big, innovate and conquer new territories” he told them.

While acknowledging the pains of reform, Tinubu insisted they were necessary to prevent economic collapse, stressing that the benefits are becoming evident. He urged Nigerians to embrace productivity and patronise made-in-Nigeria goods. “On this 65th Anniversary of our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us pay our taxes and put Nigeria first” he declared.

Tinubu closed his address by assuring citizens that the dawn of a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria has begun. “With Almighty God on our side, the sacrifices we make today will not be in vain. Together, we are laying a foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand. The future of a stronger, self-reliant and more united Nigeria is here.”