FULL TEXT OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS TO THE NATION
My fellow Nigerians,
Today marks our 65th Independence Anniversary and also my 2nd Independence Anniversary address as President. It is a historic day for all Nigerians, at home and abroad. It is a day of remembrance, a day of thanksgiving and a day of rededication.
On this day 65 years ago, our founding fathers — Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Anthony Enahoro and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa — who negotiated our independence with the British colonialists, formally received the instruments of freedom and declared Nigeria an independent and sovereign nation.
This declaration came after a tortuous period of agitation, suppression and imprisonment by our founding fathers and many others who, out of love and patriotic zeal, fought against the evils of colonialism and finally birthed our great nation.
Today, I salute our founding fathers and heroes who toiled and sacrificed their time, energy and resources to see that we are free from the shackles of colonialism. Some even paid the supreme price.
I salute the courage of our armed forces who stood firm and defended the unity of our country during the unfortunate period of civil war. They fought with great sacrifice to ensure the unity and indivisibility of our nation.
I also salute the courage and determination of all Nigerians, both civilian and military, who withstood the oppressive years of military dictatorship and fought to restore democracy.
My fellow Nigerians,
Since our independence, our country has made tremendous progress in different sectors — from education to healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and economy. This did not come by chance but through the sweat, sacrifices and toil of our past leaders and citizens.
This progress must be sustained and built upon to achieve the Nigeria of our dream.
My fellow compatriots,
On this day last year, I addressed the nation and promised to reposition our economy and restore hope to our people. I promised that though our policies may be difficult and painful, they are necessary to reengineer our economy, reposition it on the path of sustainable growth and development and secure our nation.
One year after, I stand before you with gratitude to Almighty God and to you, my compatriots, for your patience, sacrifices, perseverance and for believing in our shared dream.
From the beginning of our administration, we recognised that Nigeria was on the brink of economic collapse if urgent steps were not taken to save it. Our foreign exchange reserves were depleted, revenue generation was abysmally low, subsidies on fuel, electricity and foreign exchange had created multiple exchange rates, while insecurity, corruption, unemployment and poverty had assumed a frightening dimension.
Our economy was under strain and had been poorly managed. Growth was anaemic, job creation low, inflation high, debt and deficit high, and the naira under intense pressure.
But we took the bold and difficult decisions to end subsidies on petrol and other items as well as multiple exchange rates. Though difficult, these decisions were necessary to save our economy from collapse.
One year after, we can see that the worst is over. Our economy is stabilising and growth is returning. In the second quarter of 2025, the Nigerian economy grew by 4.23%. This is a sign that the reforms are working.
Inflation has started to come down, from 22.41% in May 2025 to 20.12% in August 2025. Our foreign exchange reserves have increased, while the naira is more stable and stronger. Our oil production has increased to over 1.6 million barrels per day, while our non-oil exports have also increased.
Our revenue has significantly improved. In August 2025 alone, we recorded the highest monthly revenue in our nation’s history. Our trade balance is now in surplus, and foreign investments are returning.
My fellow Nigerians,
These achievements did not come by accident. They are the result of deliberate and purposeful policies of our administration. In the past year, we have recorded milestones:
- We introduced the Students Loan Scheme through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to provide interest-free loans for Nigerian students in higher institutions.
- We introduced the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (Credicorp) to provide access to affordable credit for Nigerians.
- We launched the Youth Credit Scheme (YouthCred) to support young Nigerians with start-up capital and business expansion.
- We introduced the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) to fund critical infrastructure projects across the country.
- We launched the Presidential CNG Initiative to promote the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative to petrol and diesel.
- We established the Presidential Food Security Council to ensure food security and stabilise food prices.
- We signed into law the Nigeria Data Protection Act to protect the privacy and rights of Nigerians in the digital space.
- We introduced the Presidential Initiative on Youth Enterprise and Digital Innovation (iDICE) to support youth entrepreneurship and innovation.
- We signed into law the Electricity Act 2023 to liberalise the power sector and improve electricity supply.
- We signed into law the Nigeria Startup Act to create an enabling environment for start-ups and tech entrepreneurs.
- We introduced the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative to provide cheaper and cleaner energy for Nigerians.
- We introduced the new National Tax Policy to increase our tax-to-GDP ratio to 18% by 2026.
My fellow compatriots,
I am not unaware of the pain and hardship many Nigerians are going through as a result of the reforms. But I assure you that the sacrifices we are making today will not be in vain. We are laying a solid foundation for a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Nigeria.
We are racing against time to build the Nigeria of our dream.
We are racing against time to reduce poverty and unemployment.
We are racing against time to provide security and stability.
We are racing against time to provide opportunities for our youths and women.
We are racing against time to provide affordable housing and healthcare.
We are racing against time to provide infrastructure and development.
We are racing against time to secure the future of our children and generations unborn.
My fellow Nigerians,
Let us remain united and resolute in our determination to build a better Nigeria. Let us shun ethnic and religious divisions and work together as one people, under God.
I call on all Nigerians to support government policies, pay their taxes, patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods, embrace agriculture, embrace innovation and be patriotic.
Together, we can build the Nigeria of our dream.
Together, we can make Nigeria great again.
Together, we can secure the future of our children.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
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