TINUBU MARKS SECOND ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE, HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC REFORMS AND NATIONAL PROGRESS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday marked the second anniversary of his administration with a nationwide address, highlighting bold economic reforms, improved security, and infrastructure development, while commending Nigerians for their resilience amid tough decisions.

Reflecting on the challenges he inherited, Tinubu said the country was on the brink when he took over in 2023. “The economic and general situation of the country I inherited required that we redirect the country’s affairs with a bold and new vision,” he stated.

He cited the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange windows as two pivotal reforms that rescued the country from what he described as an “economic precipice.”

“These policies were painful but necessary,” Tinubu said, adding that the reforms have begun to yield results. “We are on course to building a greater, more economically stable nation.”

According to the president, inflation is beginning to ease, food prices are stabilising, and Nigeria’s economy is showing signs of recovery. He revealed that the oil and gas sector saw a surge in investment, with over \$8 billion committed in 2025 alone. Rig counts also increased by over 400% compared to 2021.

Tinubu stated that Nigeria’s gross revenue exceeded N6 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, and the country’s fiscal deficit had been reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. He also disclosed a massive boost in external reserves—from \$4 billion in 2023 to over \$23 billion by the end of 2024—and said the nation has repaid its debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“The NNPC is now a net contributor to the Federation Account, and the burden of subsidy has been removed,” the president noted.

TAX REFORMS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

Tinubu also highlighted a sweeping tax reform agenda aimed at expanding government revenue while easing pressure on ordinary Nigerians. The reforms pushed Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10% to over 13.5% by the end of 2024.

He said the reforms are structured to eliminate multiple taxation, protect low-income households, and exempt essential items such as food, education, healthcare, rent, and public transport from VAT.

“To promote fairness and accountability, we are establishing a Tax Ombudsman—an independent institution to protect vulnerable taxpayers,” Tinubu said.

INVESTMENTS IN HEALTH AND EDUCATION

The president cited significant strides in the health sector, including the revitalisation of over 1,000 Primary Health Centres and plans to upgrade an additional 5,500 under the Renewed Hope Health Agenda. He said three of six planned cancer treatment centres are ready, and over 4,000 free cesarean sections had been carried out under a maternal health initiative.

He also announced that health insurance coverage expanded from 16 million to 20 million people within two years.

In education, Tinubu noted expanded access to quality learning through infrastructure investments and a student loan scheme to support indigent students. The government is also deploying skilled health and education personnel to underserved areas.

SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS

Addressing national security, Tinubu said his administration had improved inter-agency collaboration and boosted the welfare of military and security personnel. “Our armed forces have restored order in parts of the northwest, and roads once plagued by banditry are now safer,” he said.

He paid tribute to security operatives, praising their sacrifices. “Even if we do not thank them often enough, they willingly face danger so we can go about our lives freely and without fear.”

AGRICULTURE, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

The president reaffirmed his commitment to food security through increased support for mechanised farming, distribution of tractors, and fertiliser supply. He also said the federal government is actively executing road construction and rehabilitation projects across all six geopolitical zones, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway, and the Second Niger Bridge access roads.

On electricity, Tinubu said investments in generation, transmission, and off-grid solar systems are ongoing to improve power supply across homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals.

He also cited the revival of the solid minerals sector, with increased revenue and new value-added processing plants replacing the old “pit-to-port” system.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND INNOVATION

In what he described as “a government of action powered by youth energy,” Tinubu pointed to the role of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in youth development. He listed several high-impact programmes like Innovate Naija, Irrigate Nigeria, and the Renewable Energy Park in Gora, which are creating jobs and driving industrial growth.

Tinubu said NASENI is setting a new benchmark for governance through a digital-first approach and projects like Africa’s most advanced Rapid Diagnostic Kit Factory and Nigeria’s first female drone engineer training.

LOOKING AHEAD: THE MOTHERLAND FESTIVAL AND DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

President Tinubu announced plans for the upcoming Motherland Festival, a global cultural showcase that aims to project Nigeria’s tourism, creativity, and innovation to the world.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora and said new policies, including the diaspora bond and a non-resident BVN, are designed to facilitate investment from abroad.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND RESOLVE

In his concluding remarks, the president acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerians, assured them that “the worst is behind us,” and pledged to continue steering the country toward a stronger, more inclusive future.

“Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear,” he said. “By the grace of God, we are confident that the real impact of our governance is beginning to take hold.”