Independence Day: Nigeria has passed through difficult reforms, prosperity now priority — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has moved beyond the phase of economic reforms and must now focus on delivering widespread prosperity to citizens.

Tinubu stated this in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, October 1, 2026, marking the country’s 66th anniversary of independence.

The President said his administration inherited an economy weighed down by structural weaknesses and rising poverty, arguing that difficult reforms were necessary to correct the country’s economic direction.

He likened Nigeria’s situation to that of a patient diagnosed with cancer who must endure painful treatment to recover.

“Three and a half years later, the evidence that Nigeria’s economic outlook has improved is undeniable,” Tinubu said.

He said the economy had grown by more than four per cent in 2026, while oil theft had declined, inflation had fallen from its peak, foreign reserves had been rebuilt and the foreign exchange market had stabilised.

Tinubu also said Nigeria recorded more than $6bn in non-oil export revenue in 2025, describing it as the highest in the country’s history.

According to him, the next phase of his administration would focus on reducing the cost of living, expanding production and creating productive jobs.

“Our purpose is simple: shared and widespread prosperity,” he said.

The President said his government would invest in mechanised agriculture, irrigation, storage, transportation, roads, railways and ports to reduce the cost of producing and moving goods.

He also promised greater support for industries, digital connectivity, skills development and access to finance.

“The age of reform has done its work. Now begins the age of prosperity,” Tinubu declared.