Our reforms didn’t create economic problems – Tinubu

My fellow Nigerians, on this day sixty-six years ago, our flag was raised for the first time over a nation that was free and independent. Since then, we have traveled together as one country, united by our shared trust in the immense potential of Nigeria. We believe that a nation of our size, rich in resources and diverse in culture, can become a giant on the African continent and a powerful global force.

However, our journey has not always been smooth. We have faced great challenges, from moments of hope and disappointment to war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity, and political upheaval. Yet, through it all, the spirit of Nigerians has remained unbreakable. It is this enduring spirit, born from the efforts of farmers, traders, teachers, and young entrepreneurs, that has sustained us.

We are grateful for the courage and resilience of our Armed Forces and security services, who put their lives on the line to ensure our peace. Our founding fathers did not fight merely for independence; they fought for a future where Nigerians could shape their own destiny and create a nation that provides opportunity, dignity, and a better life for its people.

Sixty-six years later, it is our responsibility to fulfill that promise. As we celebrate our independence today, we must be honest about our progress so far and the choices we have made. In 2023, poverty was rising, and hope seemed distant. The country's situation was dire. We knew we had to act. Nigeria was like a patient with a serious illness.

The doctor warned that treatment would be difficult, but it offered a real chance of recovery. For too long, our leaders chose easy fixes and ignored the root causes of our problems. We spent vast amounts of money on inefficient systems that should never have existed. We ignored the harsh realities and passed our problems down to future generations.

When this Administration took office, we made a decision to change course. We determined to tackle the root causes of our economic challenges. The reforms that followed were difficult, with real side effects. But we must not confuse the medicine with the disease. Our reforms did not cause our economic problems; they sought to address them.

Today, three and a half years later, the evidence of Nigeria's improved economic outlook is clear. Our economy has grown by over 4% this year. Both the oil and non-oil sectors have contributed to a period of stable growth. Oil theft has decreased, inflation has fallen significantly, foreign reserves have been restored, and this country recorded its highest revenue from non-oil exports in its history, surpassing $6 billion.

These are not empty claims; international observers, journalists, NGOs, and multilateral institutions have witnessed the positive changes. Foreign direct investment continues to increase each year. We have reached a turning point. The emergency treatment is over, and the foundation of our economy has been repaired. Now, our primary focus is shared and widespread prosperity.

This prosperity means more than just a larger economy, abstract numbers, or better statistics. It means a Nigeria where farmers can cultivate their land safely, produce more at lower costs, and earn a fair return for their labor. It means a Nigeria where factories have reliable power, businesses can access credit, and young people can find meaningful employment.

It means a Nigeria where food and transportation are affordable, education is accessible, and hard-working families can look forward to the future with confidence. This is the promise we must now fulfill.