Tinubu declares new era of prosperity for Nigeria

Etim Ekpima

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has entered a new phase of economic growth, with his administration shifting its focus from painful reforms to delivering shared prosperity.

Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday in his Independence Day broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 66th anniversary, saying the reforms undertaken since he assumed office had corrected the country’s economic direction and created a stronger foundation for growth.

“My fellow Nigerians, we have reached a turning point,” the President said.

“The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired. The central economic task before us has changed. For three years, our overriding purpose was to correct our nation’s course.

“Now, our purpose is simple: shared and widespread prosperity.”

Tinubu said the economy had grown by more than four per cent in 2026, with both oil and non-oil sectors contributing to the recovery.

He also cited declining oil theft, falling inflation, rebuilt foreign reserves and greater stability in the foreign exchange market as evidence of progress.

According to him, Nigeria recorded more than $6bn in non-oil export revenue in 2025, the highest in the country’s history.

The President said his administration’s next priority was to reduce the cost of living by cutting the cost of producing and transporting goods.

He listed mechanised irrigation, dry-season farming, improved access to seeds and fertiliser, storage facilities, roads, railways and ports among measures being pursued to strengthen agriculture and supply chains.

Tinubu also placed jobs and industrial growth at the centre of the government’s next phase, promising greater use of gas for industrial development, expanded digital connectivity, skills development and improved access to infrastructure and finance for businesses.

He acknowledged that millions of Nigerians still faced difficulties meeting basic needs, but said the government was strengthening social protection, education financing, consumer credit, primary healthcare and basic education.

“We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course,” he said.

Tinubu said the government’s ultimate goal was not merely to manage poverty but to defeat it.

He urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country’s future, declaring that the nation had “corrected its course” and should now move forward without looking back.

“Our destination is in sight. Our foundations are strong. Our direction is clear. So let us go forward. No looking back,” the President said.