National Broadcast by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the Occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary – October 1, 2025

Fellow Nigerians,

Today, we mark 65 years since our nation gained independence. This moment calls for reflection on the sacrifices of our founding fathers and nationalists—visionaries such as Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and many others—who dreamed of a united, prosperous Nigeria leading the African continent and inspiring the world.

Over the decades, our journey has been marked by trials and triumphs. We endured a civil war, political instability, and years of military rule, yet we survived and pressed forward. While we may not have fully achieved the lofty dreams of our forebears, Nigeria has made undeniable progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, industry, technology, and national unity.

When I assumed office in May 2023, our nation was on the brink of economic collapse. Rather than continue on a failing path, we chose bold reforms—ending fuel subsidies, unifying foreign exchange rates, and redirecting resources into education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and security. These painful but necessary choices are now bearing fruit.

Key achievements include:

GDP growth of 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years.

Inflation reduced to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest in three years.

Non-oil revenue surpassed ₦20 trillion by August 2025.

Foreign reserves rose to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.

Trade surplus recorded for five consecutive quarters, with non-oil exports now nearly equal to oil exports.

Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day, with local PMS refining achieved for the first time in four decades.

Over ₦330 billion in direct support disbursed to vulnerable households.

Significant progress in solid minerals, transportation, and digital innovation.

Our armed forces continue to demonstrate courage and sacrifice in restoring peace to communities across the North-East, North-West, and other troubled regions. Their victories bring hope to displaced families returning to their homes.

To our youths—the future of this nation—we are investing in your education, creativity, and innovation. Through NELFUND, YouthCred, Credicorp, and iDICE, hundreds of thousands of students and young entrepreneurs are being empowered with loans, credit, and digital opportunities to build a better future.

Yes, reforms have brought temporary hardship, but we must not lose sight of the progress made. The true test of our success will be in better schools, affordable food, reliable electricity, quality healthcare, and safe communities for every Nigerian family.

On this 65th anniversary, I call on all Nigerians to unite in productivity, innovation, and patriotism. Let us embrace “Nigeria First,” support made-in-Nigeria goods, and pay our taxes faithfully. Together, we can build a nation of producers and innovators rather than mere consumers.

With God on our side, the dawn of a new, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria is here.

Happy Independence Anniversary, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria