NATIONAL BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE 65TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF NIGERIA — OCTOBER 1, 2025
Fellow Nigerians,
Today, we mark the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our long journey since October 1, 1960, when our founding fathers received the instruments of self-government from colonial rule, let us honour their sacrifices, devotion, and vision of a united, prosperous Nigeria— a nation destined to lead Africa and serve as a beacon to the black race across the world.
Our founding heroes and heroines—Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and many others—believed it was Nigeria’s destiny to be the standard-bearer of freedom, progress, and dignity for all black people.
For 65 years, the promise of independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges. Yet we have survived, endured, and progressed. While we may not have achieved every lofty dream of our forebears, we have not abandoned them. Our economy, infrastructure, and society have grown significantly since 1960.
At independence, Nigeria had only 120 secondary schools with about 130,000 students. Today, we have more than 23,000 secondary schools. In 1960, we had just two tertiary institutions—the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology. As of 2024, Nigeria boasts 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education across the federal, state, and private sectors. Progress is evident in education, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, aviation, financial services, and more.
We have endured civil war, military rule, and major political crises, but we have always emerged stronger. Despite forces that sometimes seek to divide us, our bond as a people has endured. We continue to strive toward a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find justice, opportunity, and fulfilment.
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Achievements and Reforms
Fellow compatriots, this is the third Independence Anniversary address I have given as your President. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, I have remained fully committed to the unfinished business of nation-building.
When my administration came in, we inherited an economy weakened by decades of distortions and mismanagement. We faced a choice: continue with business as usual and watch our nation drift into collapse, or embark on bold, fundamental reforms. We chose reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today.
We removed the corrupt fuel subsidy and ended multiple foreign exchange rates that enriched a few while impoverishing the majority. We redirected resources toward education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and infrastructure. These tough choices are beginning to yield results:
Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years.
Inflation has fallen to 20.12%, its lowest in three years.
Non-oil revenue has hit record levels, with over ₦20 trillion raised by August 2025.
Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has dropped below 50%, down from 97%.
Foreign reserves have risen to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
Nigeria recorded five consecutive quarters of trade surplus, with manufactured exports surging by 173%.
Oil production has rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day, and for the first time in four decades, Nigeria is refining PMS domestically.
The Naira has stabilised following FX reforms, and arbitrage through multiple exchange rates is now history.
Over ₦330 billion has been disbursed to eight million vulnerable households under social investment programmes.
The stock market has more than doubled, crossing 142,000 points in September 2025.
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The Central Bank has cut interest rates for the first time in five years, a vote of confidence in our macroeconomic stability.
We are also investing heavily in infrastructure: the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail project, Kaduna-Kano rail line, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and Sokoto-Badagry Highway are all advancing. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.
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Security and Unity
Our armed forces and security agencies are making immense sacrifices to secure our land. Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN terror, banditry, and kidnapping are being pushed back. Peace has returned to many communities in the North-East and North-West, and thousands of displaced persons have safely returned home. On behalf of a grateful nation, I salute the courage and gallantry of our men and women in uniform.
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Youth and the Future
To our young people, you are Nigeria’s greatest asset. We are investing in your dreams and future. Through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), 510,000 students have received loans worth nearly ₦100 billion. Programmes like Credicorp, YouthCred, and the iDICE initiative are equipping you with tools, credit, and platforms to innovate, create, and excel.
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Message of Hope
Fellow Nigerians, I acknowledge the temporary pains that reforms have brought. But the alternative—economic collapse—was not an option. Today, we are laying a new foundation built on stability, discipline, and resilience.
True success will not be measured only by GDP growth or inflation figures but by the food on our tables, the light in our homes, the safety in our streets, and the opportunities our children enjoy.
On this 65th Independence Anniversary, I call on every Nigerian: let us be builders, not just consumers. Let us farm our lands, build factories, and patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. Let us place Nigeria first.
Together, with God on our side, the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.
Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Amen.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
