Tinubu Marks Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, Says Country Is Moving From Reforms to Prosperity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has used Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary address to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and outline what he described as the next phase of his administration’s economic programme.
In the address delivered on Thursday, October 1, 2026, Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria’s post-independence journey has included periods of economic difficulty, insecurity, political instability and military rule. He also recognised the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians, including farmers, traders, teachers, entrepreneurs and families struggling with rising living costs.
The President said his administration’s economic reforms, introduced after taking office in 2023, were intended to address what he described as long-standing structural problems in the economy.
According to Tinubu, the government has now reached a point where the focus should shift from implementing difficult reforms to ensuring that Nigerians experience broader economic benefits.
A major theme of the address was Tinubu’s declaration that Nigeria was entering what he called an “age of prosperity.” He said the government’s next priority would be to reduce the cost of living by lowering the cost of producing and transporting goods. He highlighted agriculture, infrastructure, electricity, transportation and access to finance as areas requiring continued attention.
Tinubu also said the government would expand mechanised farming, irrigation, storage facilities and transportation infrastructure to improve food production and reduce losses between farms and markets.
On employment, the President said Nigeria’s large youth population should become an economic advantage through greater investment in industries, digital connectivity, skills development and access to finance.
The President also addressed Nigerians still facing financial difficulties despite the economic changes of recent years. He acknowledged that many families continue to struggle with food costs, school fees, medical expenses and transportation.
Tinubu said the government would continue programmes aimed at supporting low-income households, expanding access to education financing and strengthening basic healthcare and other public services.
He also referenced initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and CREDICORP as part of efforts to improve access to education and consumer credit.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s economy has recorded growth of more than four per cent in 2026 and pointed to improvements in areas including foreign reserves, inflation, the foreign exchange market and non-oil exports.
These figures and other claims formed part of the government's case that its economic reforms are beginning to produce greater stability.
However, the President also recognised that the benefits of economic changes have not yet reached every Nigerian equally, saying millions of citizens still face difficult economic circumstances.
Tinubu described the next stage as one focused on converting economic reforms into jobs, investment, lower production costs and improved living standards. He called on Nigerians to look beyond the difficulties of the reform period and work towards building a more productive economy.
The address ended with a call for national unity and continued confidence in Nigeria's future as the country marks 66 years of independence.
Nigeria became independent from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. This year's anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect not only on the country's past, but also on whether the policies being implemented today will translate into measurable improvements in the daily lives of citizens.