By Opeyemi Adelakun
President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day address on Thursday, declared that Nigeria had moved beyond the difficult phase of economic reforms and entered a new period focused on prosperity.
Here are 10 key takeaways from the President’s address:
- ‘Age Of Reform’ Is Over
Tinubu declared that the difficult phase of economic reforms had achieved its purpose, saying government’s attention would now shift to prosperity.
“The age of reform has done its work. Now begins the age of prosperity.”
- ‘The Emergency Treatment Is Over’
The President said the reforms were necessary to correct longstanding weaknesses in the economy.
“The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired.”
He said the government’s focus had changed from correcting the nation’s economic course to achieving “shared and widespread prosperity.”
- Lower Cost Of Living
Tinubu identified reducing the cost of living as a major priority.
He said government would increase agricultural production, expand mechanisation, improve access to fertiliser and seeds, and invest in storage and transportation.
His argument was that lower production and transportation costs should eventually translate into cheaper goods.
- More Jobs And Industrial Growth
The President said jobs, enterprise and industrial expansion would be central to the next phase of his administration.
He promised support for businesses, digital connectivity, skills development and infrastructure, while stressing the need for more goods to be produced locally.
“I want to see more Nigerians making things.”
- Agriculture Takes Centre Stage
Tinubu said Nigeria must make better use of its land and human resources to feed its population and supply industries.
He promised greater investment in mechanised irrigation, dry-season farming, storage, transportation, seeds and fertiliser.
- Government Will Support Vulnerable Nigerians
Acknowledging that millions of Nigerians are still struggling, Tinubu said government would strengthen support for poor and vulnerable households.
He cited the National Social Register, Nigerian Education Loan Fund, consumer credit and investments in healthcare and basic education.
- Tinubu Says Economy Has Improved
The President said Nigeria’s economy had grown by more than four per cent in 2026.
He also cited lower inflation from its peak, rebuilt foreign reserves, a more stable foreign exchange market and more than $6 billion in non-oil export revenue recorded in 2025.
- ‘We Cannot Erase’ Generational Problems In Four Years
Tinubu acknowledged the depth of Nigeria’s longstanding economic and social challenges.
“We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course.”
He said the administration’s objective was to build an economy capable of steadily lifting people out of poverty.
- ‘Nigeria Has Passed Through Our Own Red Sea’
The President urged Nigerians not to return to policies he said had contributed to the country’s economic problems.
“Nigeria has corrected its course. We have passed through our own Red Sea. This is not the time to look back.”
- ‘No Looking Back’
Tinubu ended his address by urging Nigerians to look ahead and build on the foundation he said had been established through the reforms.
“Our destination is in sight. Our foundations are strong. Our direction is clear. So let us go forward. No looking back.”
He concluded by declaring that the next phase should turn Nigeria’s promise of prosperity into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
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