In his Independence Day address to Nigerians, titled “From Reform to Prosperity,” the President reflected on Nigeria’s 66-year journey as an independent nation, acknowledging the economic difficulties, insecurity, political upheavals and other challenges the country has experienced over the decades.
Tinubu said Nigeria had nevertheless endured because of the resilience and determination of its people, highlighting the contributions of farmers, traders, teachers, entrepreneurs and members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The President said the country’s founding promise was not simply about gaining independence but about giving Nigerians the freedom to determine their future and build a nation capable of providing opportunity, dignity and a better standard of living.
According to him, his administration confronted difficult economic decisions because previous policies had allowed economic distortions to deepen over time. He argued that the reforms were necessary to establish stronger foundations for long-term economic growth.
Tinubu said the next phase of his administration would focus on translating those reforms into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
A major focus of the address was the cost of living. The President said bringing down the cost of living is now a central priority of his administration and that the government would pursue this by reducing the cost of producing and transporting goods and services.
He said the government would continue supporting agriculture through measures including mechanised irrigation, dry-season farming, improved access to seeds and fertiliser, agricultural mechanisation, storage facilities and better transportation networks.
The President also highlighted investments in roads, railways and ports, saying improved infrastructure would help connect farms and factories to markets while reducing the cost of moving goods across the country.
Tinubu said the government would also work to improve the operating environment for manufacturers and businesses, including through better access to energy, gas, finance and infrastructure.
On economic performance, the President pointed to what he described as improvements resulting from the reforms, including economic growth, increased non-oil exports, improved foreign-exchange stability and reduced oil theft. He said these developments provide a stronger foundation for the country’s next stage of economic development.
The President also spoke about employment and opportunities for young Nigerians, stressing the need for an economy capable of creating productive jobs and allowing businesses to expand.
He said social intervention programmes would continue to support vulnerable Nigerians, while emphasising that such interventions should complement rather than replace broader economic prosperity.
Tinubu cited initiatives including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and consumer-credit programmes as part of measures designed to expand access to education and essential assets.
On security, the President acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigeria’s security personnel and said their efforts remain essential to creating an environment where citizens can live and pursue their livelihoods in peace.
The address also contained a strong appeal for national unity. Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain focused on the future and not allow the difficulties of the reform period to undermine confidence in the country.
He said Nigeria had reached a point where the government should build on the foundations created by the reforms rather than return to previous policies.
The President described the Nigeria he envisions as a country of abundance and opportunity, where prosperity is broadly shared and children can pursue their aspirations regardless of the circumstances into which they are born.
Tinubu concluded by urging Nigerians to move forward with confidence, describing the country’s direction as clear and calling on citizens to maintain faith in themselves and in Nigeria.
The full official address was published by the State House under the title “From Reform to Prosperity: Independence Day Address to the Nation.”
He ended his Independence Day message by wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Day and invoking God’s blessings on the country.
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