President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to look ahead with renewed hope, saying the country has moved beyond the most difficult phase of its economic reforms and is now entering what he described as an era of prosperity.
Tinubu made the statement on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during his Independence Day address to Nigerians as the country marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The speech was titled “From Reforms to Prosperity.” The President used the address to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence, defend the economic reforms introduced by his administration and outline his vision for the next phase of the country’s development.
Tinubu reflects on Nigeria’s journey
The President acknowledged that Nigeria’s journey since independence has not been easy.
He referenced the country’s experiences with war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political challenges, while also highlighting the resilience of ordinary Nigerians.
Tinubu paid tribute to farmers, traders, teachers, young entrepreneurs and members of the Armed Forces and security services, describing their contributions as part of the strength that has kept Nigeria moving forward.
He said independence was not simply about having a national flag or sovereignty but about giving Nigerians the opportunity to build a country where citizens can enjoy dignity, opportunity and a better standard of living.
President defends his economic reforms
A major part of the address focused on the economic reforms implemented by his administration since taking office in 2023.
Tinubu argued that the reforms were necessary to address longstanding weaknesses in the Nigerian economy, while acknowledging that they have come with significant difficulties for citizens.
He compared the country’s economic situation to a patient undergoing difficult medical treatment, arguing that painful measures were necessary rather than continuing policies that, in his view, only postponed deeper problems.
The President also rejected calls to return to what he described as “addictive subsidies,” saying Nigeria should not reverse the reforms.
Tinubu highlights economic indicators
Tinubu said Nigeria’s economy has grown by more than four per cent in 2026, with both the oil and non-oil sectors contributing to the growth.
He also pointed to a reduction in oil theft, lower inflation from its previous peak, improved foreign reserves and greater stability in the foreign exchange market.
According to the President, Nigeria also recorded more than $6 billion in non-oil export revenue in 2025, which he described as the country’s highest-ever figure.
These figures were presented by the President as evidence that the reforms are beginning to produce economic improvements.
Focus shifts to prosperity
Tinubu said the next stage of his administration would focus on translating economic stability into improved living conditions and broader opportunities for Nigerians.
He acknowledged that millions of Nigerians are still struggling with the cost of food, school fees, medical bills and transportation.
The President said his government would continue working toward an economy where prosperity is more widely shared and where Nigerians can have greater access to education, jobs, credit and other opportunities.
He also highlighted programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and CREDICORP as part of efforts to expand access to education and consumer credit.
‘No looking back’
Towards the end of his address, Tinubu urged Nigerians not to return to the policies that preceded his administration’s reforms.
Using the biblical image of crossing the Red Sea, he said Nigeria had passed through its own difficult period and should now move forward.
He described the future he envisions as a Nigeria of “abundance and opportunity,” where prosperity is broadly shared and children can pursue their ambitions regardless of their background.
The President concluded his address by calling on Nigerians to move forward together and wished citizens a happy Independence Day.
“No looking back,” was the central message of his closing remarks.
What Nigerians should expect
Tinubu’s 2026 Independence Day address comes at a time when the government’s economic reforms remain a major subject of public discussion.
While the President presented the reforms as necessary steps toward long-term economic stability and prosperity, the speech also acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to face financial pressure.
The coming months will therefore show how effectively the government’s stated priorities translate into lower living costs, more employment opportunities and improved living conditions for citizens.
For now, President Tinubu is asking Nigerians to look beyond the difficulties of the reform period and focus on what he describes as the next phase of Nigeria’s economic journey.
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary to Nigeria.
