President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has “turned the corner” from its economic and security challenges, as he delivered a hopeful and forward-looking national address to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a 23-point nationwide broadcast, the President outlined what he described as tangible progress and transformation across multiple sectors since the inception of his administration in May 2023, including stabilisation of the naira, strong GDP growth, declining inflation, surging non-oil revenue, and renewed investor confidence.

“The worst is over,” President Tinubu declared. “Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief… the seeds of difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruits”.

Highlighting the administration’s economic milestones, Tinubu said the second quarter GDP grew by 4.23 percent, beating IMF projections and marking the fastest pace in four years, inflation dropped to 20.12 percent, the lowest in three years, while foreign reserves climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.

He credited these achievements to his government’s bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange unification, and a clampdown on fiscal leakages.

Other key achievements cited include; recording of ₦20 trillion in non-oil revenue by August 2025, exceeding annual targets, reduction of debt service-to-revenue ratio from 97 percent to below 50 percent, trade surplus of ₦7.46 trillion in Q2, with non-oil exports now at 48 percent, up from previous dependence on oil.

Stabilized exchange rates and a growing manufacturing base, “Our economy is recovering fast… We are now a nation exporting more than we import. We are rebuilding our fiscal health,” Tinubu said.

On national security, Tinubu praised the military and security agencies for their “gallantry and sacrifices,” noting that peace is returning to communities in the North-East and North-West once ravaged by terrorism and banditry.

“We see their victories in their blood and sweat… Boko Haram terror, IPOB/ESN violence, and banditry are being pushed back,” he said.

On youth matters, Tinubu reiterated his government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians through programmes like NELFUND, which has disbursed ₦99.5 billion in student loans, and Credicorp, which provided ₦30 billion in affordable consumer credit to over 153,000 beneficiaries.

According to him, “the iDICE programme, in partnership with AfDB and other institutions, is also being rolled out to support the digital and creative sectors.

“Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria where every young person has equitable opportunity… We are giving them wings to fly”.

Mr. President also spoke on major transport infrastructure projects, such as the Kano-Maradi Standard Gauge, Kaduna-Kano rail line, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway saying, they are at advanced stages, and the recently approved $3 billion for the Eastern Rail Project.

He urged Nigerians across all levels of government and society to join in rebuilding the nation through productivity, innovation, and patriotism.

“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’. Let us pay our taxes. Nigeria first,” he said.

While acknowledging the temporary pain caused by reforms, the President assured citizens that their sacrifices are laying a solid foundation for a more prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria.

“The real measure of our success is not just in numbers, but in the food on our tables, the quality of education, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities.”

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, President Tinubu’s address stands as both a scorecard of achievements and a rallying call for unity, resilience, and a renewed national purpose.

“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here”, he added.