President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Thursday that Nigeria has moved beyond the difficult phase of economic reforms and is now entering what he described as an “age of prosperity,” with his administration shifting focus to reducing the cost of living, creating jobs and expanding opportunities for Nigerians.

Tinubu made the remarks in his Independence Day address to the nation on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary of independence.

In the address, the President defended the economic reforms introduced since 2023, saying they were necessary to correct longstanding economic distortions, and outlined his administration’s plans to translate the reforms into broader prosperity for Nigerians.

1. Nigeria’s independence carries a promise of a better life

Tinubu said independence was about more than the flag and national sovereignty; it promised opportunity, dignity, and the ability of Nigerians to shape their own destiny.

2. Nigeria has endured decades of difficult challenges

The President referenced the civil war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political upheaval that have shaped the country’s 66-year journey.

3. Ordinary Nigerians remain the strength of the country

Tinubu recognised farmers, traders, teachers, entrepreneurs and other citizens whose daily efforts keep the country moving.

4. Security personnel were commended for their sacrifices

He acknowledged members of the Armed Forces and security services who put themselves in harm’s way to protect Nigerians.

5. Tinubu said Nigeria’s economic problems predated his administration

He argued that years of postponing difficult decisions allowed deep economic distortions to accumulate.

6. The President defended the reforms introduced since 2023

Using a medical analogy, he said the reforms were painful but necessary to address the underlying problems rather than merely treating their symptoms.

7. Tinubu rejected calls to reverse the reforms

He warned against returning to what he described as unsustainable subsidy arrangements, saying Nigeria must remember why the reforms were undertaken.

8. He said the economy is showing signs of improvement

Tinubu cited more than four per cent economic growth this year, contributions from the oil and non-oil sectors, lower inflation, rebuilt foreign reserves and greater stability in the foreign exchange market.

9. Oil theft has declined, and non-oil exports have grown

Tinubu said Nigeria generated more than $6 billion in non-oil export revenue in 2025, describing it as the country’s highest-ever figure.

10. Tinubu said investors and international observers are recognising the changes

He pointed to the private sector, foreign direct investment, journalists, NGOs and multilateral institutions as evidence of improved economic stability and resilience.

11. The government is moving from reform to prosperity

Tinubu declared that the “emergency treatment” is over and said the central economic task has changed to achieving shared and widespread prosperity.

12. Reducing the cost of living is a major priority

The government plans to reduce the cost of producing and transporting the goods Nigerians consume.

13. Agriculture and food production will be expanded

The plans include mechanised irrigation, dry-season farming, improved access to seeds and fertiliser, greater mechanisation, storage and transportation.

14. Infrastructure will be used to reduce production and distribution costs

Tinubu highlighted roads, railways and ports connecting farms and factories to markets.

15. Jobs, industrialisation and youth opportunity are central to the next phase

The government plans to use gas to power industries, revive factories, expand digital connectivity and develop skills demanded by employers.

16. Tinubu wants more Nigerian-made goods and globally competitive businesses

He said Nigeria should produce more food, manufacture more products, create technology companies and have businesses selling Nigerian goods around the world.

17. Social protection will be strengthened for vulnerable Nigerians

Measures include improved targeting through the National Social Register, direct support for poor households, NELFUND education financing and CREDICORP consumer credit.

18. Government will continue strengthening essential public services

Tinubu highlighted primary healthcare, basic education, salaries, pensions and reforms to the national pension programme.

19. Poverty reduction will require sustained growth rather than short-term relief

Tinubu said social programmes are a bridge to prosperity, not a replacement for it, and acknowledged that reversing decades of accumulated poverty will take time.

20. Tinubu called for unity and a forward-looking Nigeria

He said Nigeria has “corrected its course,” urged Nigerians not to look back, and envisioned a “Promised Land” where prosperity is broadly shared and children can achieve beyond the circumstances of their birth. (The Nation)