By Olayinka Owolabi
President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is “racing against time” to address decades of underinvestment in power, roads, and infrastructure.
In his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast on Wednesday, the President defended his administration’s tough reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of foreign exchange rates, insisting that the country has “turned the corner” towards recovery.
Tinubu noted that despite the challenges that country has faced in the last 65 years of nationhood, the country has survived all.
“Our economy has experienced tremendous economic growth since 1960.
“We have survived all the challenges,” he said.
Emphasizing on the economy gains of his administration, the President said Nigeria has become a net exporter, recording a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters.
He said, “We are now a Net Exporter: Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home.
“Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to ₦7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%.
“Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent. This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas.”
On security, Tinubu said the country is recording decisive victories against insecurity, hailed the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in reclaiming territories once overrun by insurgents and criminals.
We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe.
“They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram terror in the North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in the South-East, and banditry and kidnapping,” Tinubu said.
He added that peace had returned to hundreds of communities in the North-West and North-East, with thousands of displaced persons safely resettled.
Turning on youths, the President mentioned that his administration has rolled out bold initiatives to empower young Nigerians across education, technology, and the creative economy.
He said, “You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high.
