President Bola Tinubu has mapped out what he described as economic gains of the country since taken charge of the country three and a half years ago.
In his Independence Day broadcast, the President said the country was beginning to see improvements in its economic outlook.
He cited economic growth of more than four per cent in 2026, contributions from both the oil and non-oil sectors, reduced oil theft and a substantial decline in inflation from its peak.
He also said foreign reserves had been rebuilt, the foreign exchange market had stabilised and Nigeria recorded more than $6 billion in non-oil export revenue in 2025 which he described as the country’s highest ever.
“These are not idle claims,” Tinubu said, arguing that international observers, journalists, NGOs and multilateral institutions had recognised improvements in Nigeria’s economic stability and resilience.
‘The emergency treatment is over’
The President said Nigeria had now reached a turning point, declaring that the phase of emergency economic treatment was over.
“The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired,” he said.
Tinubu said the government’s central economic objective had therefore shifted from correcting Nigeria’s economic course to achieving “shared and widespread prosperity.”
He said the next phase would focus on making economic growth translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, including affordable food and transportation, reliable electricity, access to credit, productive jobs and improved access to education.
The President also promised measures aimed at reducing production and transportation costs, boosting agricultural output, expanding mechanisation and improving roads, railways, ports, storage and transportation infrastructure.
He further said the government would prioritise jobs, enterprise and industrial growth, including using gas to power industries, reviving factories, expanding digital connectivity and providing Nigerian businesses with infrastructure and finance.
Tinubu acknowledged that millions of Nigerians were still struggling with food, school fees, medical bills and transportation costs, but said the government was strengthening social interventions while pursuing long-term economic growth.
“Our objective is not to manage poverty more efficiently. We will defeat it,” he declared.
The President ended by declaring that “the age of reform has done its work” and that Nigeria had entered “the age of prosperity.” He urged Nigerians to move forward without looking back, describing the country’s destination as a “Promised Land” of abundance, opportunity and broadly shared prosperity