Tinubu: Nigeria Has Turned the Corner, Calls for Unity in Nation-Building
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the country has “turned the corner” from economic hardship and is on the path to sustainable growth, urging citizens across federal, state, and local levels to unite as producers and innovators to fulfil the nation’s dream.
Delivering a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Tinubu said the painful reforms of his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, were already yielding results.
> “The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding,” the President declared.
Economic Gains from Reforms
Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025—its fastest pace in four years—while inflation fell to 20.12%, the lowest level in three years.
He listed 12 key economic milestones achieved under his administration, including:
* Record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, surpassing ₦20 trillion by August.
* Growth in foreign reserves to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
* Stabilisation of the naira following forex reforms.
* Trade surplus of ₦7.46 trillion, driven by a surge in non-oil exports.
* Oil production rebounding to 1.68 million barrels per day.
* Major investments in rail, road, and seaport infrastructure.
He added that 330 billion naira had been disbursed to over eight million poor households under the government’s social investment programme.
Security and Youth Development
On security, Tinubu praised the armed forces for “winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes,” noting that peace had returned to several previously troubled communities.
Addressing young Nigerians, he reiterated government’s commitment to innovation, credit support, and entrepreneurship, citing the National Student Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has supported over 500,000 students, and the YouthCred scheme for NYSC members.
A Call to Action
The President acknowledged the hardships Nigerians face due to rising living costs but maintained that the sacrifices were necessary to prevent economic collapse.
> “The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,” he said.
Tinubu urged citizens to support the federal government’s efforts by embracing productivity, patronising made-in-Nigeria goods, and paying their taxes.
> “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Nigeria first,” he declared.
Concluding his broadcast, Tinubu expressed optimism for a “new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria,” calling on all Nigerians to work together to fulfil the vision of the nation’s founding fathers.
