Many Nigerians have reflected on the country’s current status as the country marks its 65th anniversary of independence.
Some Nigerians acknowledged that the country has seen significant growth as far political independence is concerned but argued that economic independence is still crawling.
They stressed that the growth surge seen in education, health, technology, and infrastructure are recognised positive impacts that are arithmetic in progression and do not correspond to average Nigerians’ geometric expectations.
They further expressed concerns about insecurity, epileptic power supply, limited health care, and a lack of portable and clean water, among other things.
However, President Bola Tinubu, in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast, admitted and acknowledged the hardship caused by his reforms to Nigerians and assured them that the country will grow out of its woods in no distant time.
He revealed that the country is facing decades of underinvestment in crucial sectors such as power, infrastructure, and health.
He vowed to support youths through sustainable initiatives while also promoting security and social welfare.
Here are Eight (8) key points from President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech:
INCREASED NUMBER OF SCHOOLS
In his 65th Independence Day address, President Bola Tinubu hailed the country’s progress in education, citing the expansion from 120 secondary schools to over 23,000 and from two higher institutions to more than 690 today.
A WEAK ECONOMY
In his broadcast, Tinubu admitted that he inherited a weak economy and emphasized that he is working hard to grow it.
He disclosed that his government met a near-collapsed economy due to decades of policy mismanagement.
He further stressed ending fuel subsidies and unifying the exchange rate system, noting these steps freed funds for education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure.
A PROMISE OF COMFORT AMID DISCOMFORT
Tinubu, on his 65th Independence Anniversary Day, acknowledged that there are inflation, hunger, and rising living costs, which have made lives more difficult for Nigerians.
However, he argued that these reforms, such as fuel subsidy removal and a unified exchange rate, were necessary to avoid bankruptcy and secure the future of the country.
INFRASTRUCTURE GAP
Tinubu, in his nationwide broadcast, acknowledged that the country is in absolute lack of sufficient electricity, modern ports, and world-class roads.
He further vowed that there are plans in progress to bridge the infrastructure gap.
SECURITY SITUATION
Tinubu, in his national broadcast, admitted that the country is battling with insecurity caused by banditry and IPOB/ESN.
He commended the armed forces for victories against Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, and banditry. He stressed that peace has returned to many communities in the Northeast and Northwest.
YOUTH IMPACTFUL PROGRAMMES
In his nationwide broadcast, Tinubu described youths as Nigeria’s greatest asset.
He highlighted programs like NELFUND, CREDICORP, YouthCred, and iDICE that his administration has committed billions of naira to for the advancement and growth of Nigerian youths.
He noted that over 510,000 students benefitted from nearly N100bn in loans.
VULNERABLE
Tinubu, in his nationwide broadcast disclosed that more than 8 million households have benefitted from social investment cash transfers.
ECONOMIC MILESTONES
Tinubu in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast highlighted major economic milestones his administration has recorded since he assumed office in 2023.
He cited a record of non-oil revenue above ₦20 trillion by August 2025, a debt service-to-revenue ratio reduced from 97% to below 50%, foreign reserves at a 6-year high, tax-to-GDP ratio up to 13.5% and five (5) consecutive quarters of trade surplus, with non-oil exports rising to 48%.
He further disclosed that oil production rebounded to 1.68m bpd, with local PMS refining resuming, Naira stabilised; multiple FX rates abolished, coal and solid minerals sector booming and major rail, road, seaport, and airport projects ongoing and stock market hit record highs; credit rating upgraded; CBN cut interest rates.
