On October 1, 2025, President Bola Tinubu spoke to Nigerians during the nation’s 65th Independence Day.
He declared the “worst is over” for the economy, defending tough reforms like scrapping fuel subsidies and unifying exchange rates.
These moves caused high inflation and public anger but were vital to reset growth, he said.
Economic Progress
Tinubu highlighted strong gains. The economy grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years. Inflation fell to 20.12% in August, a three-year low.
Nigeria saw five quarters of trade surpluses, oil output hit 1.68 million barrels per day, and foreign reserves rose to $42.03 billion, a six-year high. These figures signal a rebound, he claimed.
Social Support
The government gave N330 billion ($222.90 million) to eight million vulnerable households through a social program.
Tinubu also pointed to new rail lines, roads, airports, and seaports, aiming to boost trade and connectivity across Nigeria.
Critics Speak Out
Opposition leader Peter Obi and others question the social program’s transparency, calling for a public list of recipients.
The IMF’s recent report warned of stubborn inflation and rising poverty. Over 129 million Nigerians more than half the population live below the poverty line, struggling with rising costs.
Humanitarian Struggles
In the conflict-hit northeast, the World Food Programme closed 150 nutrition centers due to funding cuts from global donors.
This worsens the humanitarian crisis, with Tinubu admitting, “We are racing against time” to address these challenges.
Labor Unrest
A dispute at Dangote Oil Refinery, where 800 workers were fired for unionizing, threatens oil production gains.
The standoff has disrupted power supply, raising fears of economic setbacks. Resolving this is critical to maintaining stability.
Why It Matters
Tinubu’s speech seeks to inspire hope, but poverty, transparency issues, and labor disputes show a gap between reforms and real relief for Nigerians.
The economy’s recovery hinges on addressing these concerns effectively.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Nigeria must improve transparency in aid programs and settle labor conflicts to sustain growth. Tinubu’s government faces pressure to deliver tangible results for millions facing hardship.
Tinubu Celebrates Nigeria’s Progress on 65th Independence Day
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