President Bola Tinubu
Fellow Nigerians,
As we mark our 64th year of independence, I acknowledge the struggles many of you face. My administration is committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate your suffering. We’re implementing reforms that show positive signs, and we’re beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Sixty-four years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy, envisioning a great country leading Africa out of poverty and underdevelopment. Today, Nigerians worldwide can see how well we’ve succeeded in realizing those dreams. Our can-do spirit, intellectual capacity, and enterprise are evident in various fields.
We’ve survived many crises, including a bitter civil war, and remain a strong, united nation. This anniversary reminds us to reflect on our progress and renew our commitment to building a better nation.
In the past 16 months, we’ve faced economic headwinds and security challenges. We chose reform over business-as-usual and are winning the war on terror and banditry. Over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated, restoring peace to hundreds of communities.
We’re responding to natural disasters, established a Disaster Relief Fund, and ordered integrity tests for our dams. Our economy is undergoing reforms, attracting over $30 billion in foreign investments. We’re committed to free enterprise and maintaining regulatory sanctity.
We’ve reduced our debt service ratio from 97% to 68% and maintained a foreign reserve of $37 billion. The Economic Stabilisation Bills will stimulate our productive capacity, create jobs, and reduce tax burdens.
To address high living costs, we’re implementing measures to increase food production and reduce costs. We commend governors who’ve embraced our agricultural production program and urge others to join.
We’re expanding our energy transition program and assisting states in acquiring compressed natural gas buses for cheaper transportation.
As we work to stabilize the economy and secure the country, we seek to foster national unity and social harmony. Our economy thrives in peace, and we’re mindful of the next generation’s future.
We lead with their future in focus, recognizing they must be the architects of their own destiny ¹.
