By AS Nigerians across the world mark the 65th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the country, describing the anniversary as “a day of reflection on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960.”
According to him, Nigeria’s independence has been tested for decades by profound social, economic and political challenges, but the country has survived and recorded tremendous progress, particularly in the economy, which he noted “has experienced significant growth since 1960.”
Below is the full text of President Tinubu’s national broadcast:
NATIONAL BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the 65th Independence Anniversary, 1 October 2025
Fellow Nigerians,
Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960—when our founding fathers accepted the instruments of self-government—let us remember their sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of a strong, prosperous and united Nigeria that will lead Africa and be a beacon of light to the world.
Our founding heroes and heroines—Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and others—believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the black race as the largest black nation on earth.
For decades, the promise of independence has been tested by social, economic and political challenges. While we may not yet have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebears, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion and physical development.
Education and healthcare have improved remarkably since 1960. At independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000, and only two tertiary institutions—the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology. By 2024, the country had over 23,000 secondary schools, 274 universities, 183 polytechnics and 236 colleges of education. Growth has also been recorded in healthcare, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, aviation and defence.
We have also experienced difficult times—a civil war, military dictatorships and major political crises. Yet, we have weathered every storm with courage and determination, continuing to strive towards building a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find fulfilment.
This is the third time I address you on our Independence anniversary since assuming office as President on 29 May 2023. Upon assuming office, our administration inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions. Faced with the choice of maintaining the status quo or embarking on bold reforms, we chose reform. Less than three years later, those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit.
We ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that encouraged rent-seeking while yielding little benefit for the masses. We redirected resources towards education, healthcare, security, agriculture and critical infrastructure. As a result, Federal, State and Local Governments now have more resources to address development challenges.
The worst is over. Inflation has declined to 20.12%, GDP growth reached 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025—the fastest pace in four years—and our foreign reserves stand at $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019. Oil production has rebounded, non-oil exports are rising, and Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters.
We are also investing heavily in infrastructure: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Highway, Eastern Rail Project and Kano-Kastina-Maradi line are progressing well. Sovereign credit agencies have upgraded Nigeria’s economic outlook, while the Central Bank has cut interest rates for the first time in five years, signalling confidence in macroeconomic stability.
On security, our armed forces and security agencies are recording significant successes against terrorism, banditry and violent crime. Peace has returned to hundreds of liberated communities in the North-East and North-West.
To our youth, I say this: you are the future and greatest asset of this nation. Through initiatives such as NELFUND, Credicorp, YouthCred and the iDICE programme, we are empowering you with loans, opportunities and platforms to innovate and lead in science, technology, sports and the creative sectors.
Fellow Nigerians, reforms have brought temporary hardship, but the sacrifices are not in vain. The true measure of our success lies not only in economic statistics but in the food on our tables, the quality of our children’s education, the electricity in our homes and the safety of our communities.
On this 65th Independence Anniversary, my message is one of hope and a call to action. Let us farm our land, build factories, patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods, and pay our taxes. Let us be producers, not just consumers. With Almighty God on our side, I am confident that the dawn of a new, prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria is here.
Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Amen.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
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