NATIONAL ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF THE 65TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, OCTOBER 1, 2025
Dear Fellow Nigerians,
Today, we commemorate 65 years since Nigeria gained its independence. As we honor this historic milestone, it is vital to reflect on the journey that began on October 1, 1960, when our forefathers courageously embraced self-rule, breaking free from colonial domination. Their unwavering dedication and visionary aspirations laid the foundation for a united, thriving Nigeria destined to lead Africa and shine as a beacon globally.
Our nation’s pioneers-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-envisioned Nigeria as the foremost leader of the African diaspora, the largest black nation on the planet, entrusted with a historic mission to uplift the entire black race.
Over the past six and a half decades, Nigeria has faced numerous trials-social upheavals, economic hurdles, and political turbulence-but we have endured. While the lofty ideals of our founding generation remain a work in progress, we have undeniably advanced in economic development, social unity, and infrastructural growth. Since independence, our economy has expanded significantly, reflecting the resilience and potential of our people.
It is easy to focus on what remains undone, yet we must acknowledge the strides made. Access to education and healthcare has vastly improved since 1960. At independence, Nigeria had only 120 secondary schools serving approximately 130,000 students. Today, that number has surged to over 23,000 secondary schools nationwide. Higher education has also flourished-from just the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology to 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education across federal, state, and private sectors. Progress spans multiple sectors including healthcare, infrastructure, finance, manufacturing, telecommunications, IT, aviation, and defense.
Like any nation, Nigeria has experienced both triumphs and setbacks. We endured a devastating civil war, military rule, and political crises. Yet, through resilience and determination, we have overcome these challenges. Though our unity has sometimes been tested by forces opposing our values, our commitment to building a more inclusive and harmonious society remains steadfast, ensuring every Nigerian can thrive and find purpose.
Since taking office on May 29, 2023, this marks my third Independence Day address. In these 28 months, I have dedicated myself to continuing the nation-building mission initiated by our founding leaders.
When our administration began, we inherited an economy on the brink of collapse, weakened by years of fiscal mismanagement and policy inconsistencies. Faced with a choice between complacency and bold reform, we chose the latter-embracing transformative policies to secure a brighter future. Today, the positive outcomes of these difficult decisions are becoming evident.
To foster sustainable growth, we eliminated corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that had fostered rent-seeking behaviors benefiting a select few, while the majority saw little benefit. Our government redirected resources towards education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and critical infrastructure such as roads, power, broadband, and social welfare programs. These efforts have enhanced the quality of life for many Nigerians and empowered all levels of government to better serve their communities.
We face an urgent race against time to build and repair essential infrastructure-roads, schools, hospitals-that will serve future generations. Decades of underinvestment left us with insufficient electricity to power homes and industries, and inadequate transport facilities. Our administration is committed to rectifying these deficits and laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity.
I am proud to announce that we have turned a critical corner. The worst economic challenges are behind us, and relief is on the horizon. I commend Nigerians for their patience and support, and I pledge to continue working tirelessly to justify the trust placed in me to guide our nation safely forward.
Our economy is rebounding robustly. In the second quarter of 2025, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23%, the fastest rate in four years, surpassing the International Monetary Fund’s 3.4% forecast. Inflation dropped to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest in three years. We are intensifying efforts to boost agricultural output and ensure food security, which will help reduce living costs.
In the past two years, we have achieved twelve significant economic milestones through prudent fiscal and monetary policies:
1. Non-oil revenue hit a record high, reaching over N20 trillion by August 2025, with September alone generating N3.65 trillion-411% more than May 2023.
2. Fiscal health has improved markedly; the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from 97% to under 50%. We eliminated the destabilizing “Ways and Means” advances and redirected funds previously lost to fuel subsidies into real economy investments and social programs.
3. Our foreign reserves strengthened to $42.03 billion in September, the highest since 2019.
4. The tax-to-GDP ratio rose to 13.5% from below 10%, with further increases expected following the new tax law in January, designed to broaden the tax base and ease burdens on low-income earners.
5. Nigeria has become a net exporter, recording a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. The trade surplus grew by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to ₦7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion). Non-oil exports now constitute 48% of total exports, signaling successful economic diversification.
6. Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day, up from just one million in May 2023, thanks to improved security and investments in the Niger Delta. For the first time in 40 years, we refined petrol domestically and became Africa’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.
7. The Naira has stabilized, with the gap between official and parallel market rates narrowing significantly due to foreign exchange reforms and increased capital inflows. Multiple exchange rates, which encouraged corruption, are now a thing of the past.
8. Through social investment programs, N330 billion has been distributed to eight million vulnerable households, many receiving up to two tranches of N25,000 each.
9. The coal mining sector rebounded sharply, growing 57.5% in Q2 after a 22% decline in Q1, becoming one of the fastest-growing industries and a key driver of value-added mineral production.
10. Transport infrastructure is expanding nationwide, with rail and water transport growing by over 40% and 27%, respectively. Major projects like the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are nearing completion, supported by a recent $3 billion federal investment.
11. International credit rating agencies have upgraded Nigeria’s outlook, recognizing our improved economic fundamentals. The stock market has surged from 55,000 points in May 2023 to 142,000 points as of September 2025.
12. The Central Bank recently cut interest rates for the first time in five years, signaling confidence in our macroeconomic stability.
SECURITY
Our security forces continue to work relentlessly to safeguard the nation, enabling economic growth and stability. The military and security agencies have made significant strides in combating terrorism, banditry, and violent crime. Their sacrifices have led to the liberation of many communities in the North-West and North-East, allowing displaced citizens to return home safely. We honor their bravery and dedication.
YOUTH
To our young people, you are Nigeria’s greatest resource and future. Keep dreaming boldly and excelling in science, technology, sports, arts, and innovation. Our government remains committed to empowering you through initiatives like NELFUND, which has provided educational loans to over 510,000 students across 228 institutions, disbursing nearly N100 billion in loans and N44.7 billion in upkeep allowances.
Additionally, Credicorp has extended N30 billion in affordable loans to 153,000 Nigerians for vehicles, solar energy, home improvements, and digital devices. YouthCred, launched last year, now supports tens of thousands of NYSC members with consumer credit for resettlement.
Our Renewed Hope Agenda includes the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program, developed with partners like the African Development Bank and French Development Agency, to nurture young entrepreneurs in technology and creative industries.
A MESSAGE OF OPTIMISM
I acknowledge that these reforms have brought short-term hardships, including inflation and rising living costs, which remain a concern. However, allowing economic collapse was never an option. Our progress demonstrates that these sacrifices are paving the way for a solid, enduring foundation.
True success will be measured not just by statistics but by the food on our tables, the education of our children, the electricity in our homes, and the safety of our communities. Our administration is committed to channeling resources into these vital areas, with state and local governments increasingly delivering tangible development.
On this 65th Independence Anniversary, I offer a message of hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to repair the economic framework, but we must all contribute by boosting productivity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Just as the Ministry of Interior has expedited passport processing, I urge states and local governments to join in nation-building. Let us become producers, not mere consumers. Let us cultivate our lands, establish factories, and support ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ products. I say, Nigeria first. Let us fulfill our tax obligations.
Together, let us unite and believe once again in the limitless potential of our beloved nation.
With God’s guidance, I assure you that a new era of prosperity and self-reliance for Nigeria has dawned.
Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Amen.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Presidential Villa, Abuja
