TINUBU’S INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS: KEY ISSUES AS PRESIDENT SAYS NIGERIA HAS ENTERED ‘AGE OF PROSPERITY’

By: Pen Blog Media.

Date: Thursday, 1st October, 2026 | 19th Rabī'ul Akhīr, 1448 AH.

Presidency's Speech as Nigeria at 66

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has used Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary address to defend his administration's economic reforms, outline its next phase of priorities and declare that the country is moving from a period of economic reform towards what he described as an “age of prosperity.”

The President delivered the national address on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as Nigeria marked 66 years of independence.

In the speech, titled “From Reform to Prosperity,” Tinubu reflected on Nigeria's journey since independence before turning to the economic direction of his administration and what he described as the government's priorities for the years ahead.

TINUBU DEFENDS ECONOMIC REFORMS

A major part of the address was devoted to the economic measures introduced since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

The President argued that the reforms were introduced to address what he described as longstanding structural weaknesses in the Nigerian economy. He maintained that the measures did not create those weaknesses but were intended to confront them.

Tinubu acknowledged that the reforms had imposed difficulties and sacrifices on Nigerians but argued that reversing them would amount to abandoning the effort to address the underlying problems.

He specifically ruled out a return to the previous petrol-subsidy arrangement, warning against what he described as pressure to reverse the reforms.

PRESIDENT CITES ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Tinubu also pointed to several economic indicators which, in his assessment, demonstrate an improvement in Nigeria's economic outlook.

He said the economy had grown by more than four per cent in 2026, while both the oil and non-oil sectors contributed to the growth. He also cited lower oil theft, a decline in inflation from its peak, increased foreign reserves, greater stability in the foreign-exchange market and record non-oil export earnings in 2025.

These figures and assessments formed part of the President's argument that Nigeria had reached a turning point after the initial period of reforms.

The Federal Government had also highlighted economic data ahead of the anniversary, including 4.43 per cent real GDP growth in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 4.23 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

FROM REFORM TO PROSPERITY

Moving beyond the reform phase, Tinubu said the government's central economic objective had changed from correcting the country's economic direction to pursuing “shared and widespread prosperity.”

He explained that his understanding of prosperity goes beyond economic statistics, arguing that it should translate into tangible improvements in people's daily lives.

According to the President, this includes farmers producing at lower costs, factories having more reliable power, businesses gaining access to credit, young Nigerians finding productive employment and families having better access to food, transportation and education.

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION

The President identified agriculture and food production as important parts of the next phase of the government's economic agenda.

He said the government would continue investing in mechanised irrigation, dry-season farming, improved access to seeds and fertiliser, agricultural mechanisation, storage and transportation.

Tinubu also linked food affordability to the cost of production and transportation, arguing that reducing losses and production expenses could ultimately help lower prices in the market.

JOBS, INDUSTRY AND YOUNG NIGERIANS

Employment and enterprise also featured prominently in the address.

Tinubu said the government intended to place jobs, enterprise and industrial growth at the centre of its policies, particularly given Nigeria's young population.

He pointed to plans involving gas-powered industries, industrial revival, expanded digital connectivity, skills development and access to finance for businesses.

The President also expressed his ambition to see more Nigerian businesses producing locally and selling Nigerian-made products internationally.

SOCIAL SUPPORT REMAINS PART OF THE AGENDA

While emphasising economic growth, Tinubu acknowledged that millions of Nigerians continue to face difficulties meeting basic needs.

He said the government would strengthen support for vulnerable households and improve the National Social Register to help direct assistance towards people considered to be in need.

He also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, saying it was intended to help students from lower-income families pursue higher education.

The President further cited the Consumer Credit Corporation, known as CREDICORP, as part of efforts to expand access to consumer credit for Nigerians seeking assets such as vehicles, solar systems and digital devices.

HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION AND PUBLIC SERVICES

Tinubu also said the Federal Government would continue working with state and local governments to strengthen primary healthcare, basic education and other essential public services.

He linked these efforts to the broader objective of reducing poverty and improving opportunities for Nigerians.

The President, however, acknowledged that challenges facing many Nigerians had accumulated over several decades and could not be eliminated within a short period.

“The age of reform has done its work”

Towards the end of his address, Tinubu declared that he believed Nigeria had reached a new stage in its economic journey.

He said: “The age of reform has done its work. Now begins the age of prosperity.”

The statement encapsulated the central message of the 2026 Independence Day address: that the difficult period of economic restructuring should now give way to an emphasis on production, employment, investment and improved living standards.

The President described the next phase as one in which the benefits of economic growth should become more broadly felt across society.

NIGERIA AT 66

Tinubu began and ended his address by returning to the significance of Nigeria's independence.

He acknowledged the difficulties the country has experienced since 1960, including war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political upheaval, while emphasising the resilience of Nigerians.

As the country enters another year of independence, the President called on Nigerians to look ahead with confidence and continue working towards a more prosperous nation.

He concluded the address by urging citizens to move forward together, declaring that Nigeria's destination was a country where prosperity and opportunity would be more broadly shared.