Marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Day anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a nationwide address reflecting on the nation’s economic trajectory. Declaring that the phase of emergency structural reforms is complete, the President announced that his administration is now shifting its full focus toward building shared and widespread prosperity.

 

In a comprehensive speech touching on security, social safety nets, and long-term economic growth, President Tinubu defended the difficult policy choices of his early administration—comparing previous economic models to using "morphine" to mask deep underlying issues—while presenting evidence that these sacrifices are yielding results.

 

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#### **10 Key Highlights from the Independence Day Broadcast:**

 

1. **Transition to Prosperity:** Emergency economic fixes and foundational repairs are finished. The government's new mandate centers on spreading economic gains to all Nigerians.

2. **Positive Economic Indicators:** The economy expanded by over 4% this year, non-oil export revenues reached a record high exceeding $6 billion in 2025, inflation continues to cool, foreign exchange has stabilized, and external reserves have been rebuilt.

3. **Tackling the Cost of Living:** Lowering everyday living costs is the top national priority, driven by investments in dry-season farming, expanded mechanized irrigation, and key transport infrastructure across rail, road, ports, and power.

4. **Empowering the Demographic Dividend:** Placing youth enterprise, digital connectivity, gas-powered industries, and factory revival at the heart of national growth to transform young Nigerians into a global manufacturing engine.

5. **Refining Social Safety Nets:** The administration is updating the National Social Register to ensure direct cash transfers reach the poorest households accurately, while maintaining timely salary and pension disbursements.

6. **Expanding Consumer Credit (CREDICORP):** Through CREDICORP, working-class citizens can now access credit lines to purchase essential assets—like solar power systems, vehicles, and digital tools—without requiring years of upfront savings.

7. **Higher Education Access via NELFUND:** The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) continues to provide interest-free loans so students from low-income families can pursue tertiary education.

8. **Security & Anti-Crude Theft Gains:** Crude oil theft has dropped significantly, boosting national revenue, while security agencies received commendations for sustained stabilization efforts nationwide.

9. **Defense of Subsidy Removal:** The President reaffirmed that ending costly subsidies was essential to stop national economic bleeding and build a sustainable financial foundation.

10. **A Call for National Unity:** Emphasizing discipline and perseverance, President Tinubu urged citizens to look forward, confident that the sacrifices made have permanently reshaped the economy for future generations.