Fellow Nigerians, today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960, let us remember the sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of our founding fathers.
They envisioned a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria that would lead Africa and be the beacon of light to the rest of the world.
Our founding heroes and heroines believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth. Although we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development. Our economy has experienced significant growth since 1960, and we have become a major player in the global economy.
In the last 28 months of my administration, I have committed myself irrevocably to the unfinished nation-building business. We have embarked on a courageous, fundamental reform path to reset our country for sustainable growth. We ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a tiny minority. Our administration has redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path, channelling money to fund education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical economic infrastructure.
I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. Our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results. The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23% Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years.
We have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of our sound fiscal and monetary policies. These include a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, restored fiscal health, a stronger foreign reserve position, and a net exporter status. Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent, and we have made notable advancements in refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades.
As we celebrate our 65th Independence anniversary, I have a message for our young people. You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high. We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits, and Credicorp has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion affordable loans for various purposes.
Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
