Independence: Tinubu Highlights Economic Progress, Promises Shared Prosperity

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined what he described as key economic achievements recorded since the beginning of his administration, saying Nigeria has reached a new phase of economic recovery and growth.

Speaking during his Independence Day broadcast on Thursday, the President said recent indicators showed signs of improvement in the nation’s economy, citing growth of over four per cent in 2026 driven by both oil and non-oil sectors.

Tinubu also highlighted reductions in oil theft, a decline in inflation from previous highs, improved foreign reserves and stability in the foreign exchange market.

According to him, Nigeria generated more than six billion dollars in non-oil export earnings in 2025, which he described as the highest figure ever recorded by the country.

“These are not idle claims,” the President said, adding that international organisations, development partners, journalists and civil society groups had acknowledged Nigeria’s improving economic resilience.

Tinubu declared that the period of emergency economic reforms had ended, noting that the government had laid a solid foundation for future growth.

“The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired,” he said.

He explained that the administration’s next priority would be ensuring that economic growth translates into better living conditions for Nigerians through affordable food, reliable electricity, improved transportation, easier access to credit and more employment opportunities.

The President said government policies would focus on lowering production and transport costs, expanding agricultural activities through mechanisation and improving critical infrastructure such as roads, rail lines, ports and storage facilities.

He also pledged support for industrial development through increased gas supply to industries, revival of factories, expansion of digital infrastructure and improved financing for businesses.

Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges facing many Nigerians, including rising costs of food, education, healthcare and transportation, but assured citizens that social intervention programmes would continue alongside long-term development efforts.

“Our objective is not to manage poverty more efficiently. We will defeat it,” he said.

The President added that Nigeria had moved into what he described as a new era of prosperity and called on citizens to remain hopeful and work collectively towards national progress.