Nigeria’s Independence Day is a moment of reflection and celebration, marking the nation’s journey since it gained freedom from colonial rule 64 years ago. President Tinubu outlined several key initiatives to shape a more prosperous and inclusive future for all Nigerians.
20 things President Tinubu said on Nigeria’s Independence Day
1. Acknowledgement of Economic Struggles:
Tinubu opened by recognising that many Nigerians are facing economic hardship, particularly with rising living costs and the difficulty in finding meaningful employment. He acknowledged the reality of these struggles and assured citizens that his administration is aware of their plight. He promised that the government is actively seeking solutions to alleviate the population’s suffering.
2. Commitment to Reforms:
The President emphasised that the reforms being implemented by his administration are designed to bring long-term relief and prosperity. He noted that although the changes might be slow to take effect, there are signs of progress. He called for patience from Nigerians as the government works to stabilise the economy and address the nation’s challenges.
3. Celebration of Nigeria’s 64 Years of Democracy:
Tinubu reflected on the 64 years since Nigeria gained independence, focusing on the decision by the nation’s founding fathers to adopt democracy as a system of government. He stressed that this decision was intended to set Nigeria on a path to lead Africa out of poverty and underdevelopment. Despite the challenges, the President believes that Nigeria has made significant progress in achieving those original aspirations.
4. Achievements of Nigerians Worldwide:
The President expressed pride in the global achievements of Nigerians, highlighting their contributions to various fields such as arts, science, technology, and infrastructure. He commended Nigerians’ entrepreneurial spirit, their resilience, and their intellectual capacity, which he believes are key to driving Nigeria’s continued growth and success on the world stage.
5. Unity Despite Challenges:
Tinubu praised Nigeria’s ability to remain united despite the numerous challenges it has faced since independence. He reflected on the political crisis that led to the civil war just six years after independence and notes that, despite the divisions, Nigeria has emerged as a stronger and more united nation. He believes that Nigeria’s ability to embrace its diversity has helped the country move forward.
6. Learning from the Past:
Tinubu called for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey and learn from its past mistakes. He stressed that while the nation has made progress, missed opportunities need to be acknowledged. He encouraged Nigerians not to let past mistakes hinder future growth but rather to use those lessons to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
7. Security Progress:
Tinubu outlined the strides made in addressing security challenges, particularly terrorism and banditry. He proudly reported that within one year, Nigerian forces have eliminated over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders, restoring peace to many areas in the North. He promised that the fight against all forms of violent extremism, including kidnapping for ransom, will continue until the country is fully secure.
8. Restoration of Peace in the North:
He mentioned that the restoration of peace in parts of Northern Nigeria has allowed thousands of displaced people to return to their communities. This return to normalcy is expected to boost agricultural productivity as farmers are now able to resume farming activities. Tinubu expressed optimism that this will lead to increased food production, which in turn will help bring down food prices across the country.
9. Response to Natural Disasters:
The President addressed the government’s response to recent natural disasters, such as the flooding in parts of the country. He revealed that a Disaster Relief Fund has been set up to mobilise resources from both the private and public sectors to ensure a swift response to emergencies. Additionally, the government has ordered integrity tests on all dams across the country to prevent future disasters.
10. Economic Reforms and Foreign Investment:
Tinubu emphasised the importance of economic reforms in ensuring Nigeria’s long-term stability. He revealed that the country has attracted more than $30 billion in foreign direct investments over the past year, thanks to policy changes. These reforms are designed to correct fiscal misalignments, which will help Nigeria avoid future economic crises.
11. Energy Sector Divestments:
The President highlighted the ongoing divestment in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, particularly the ExxonMobil Seplat deal. He indicated that this transaction, along with others, is aimed at increasing oil and gas production, thereby boosting the economy. These divestments are being handled in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
12. Foreign Exchange and Debt Management:
He praiseed the Central Bank of Nigeria for adopting a more disciplined approach to monetary policy, which has helped stabilise the foreign exchange market. Tinubu explained that since taking office, his administration has cleared a $7 billion backlog of foreign exchange commitments and reduced Nigeria’s debt service ratio from 97% to 68%. Despite paying off significant debt, the country’s foreign reserves have grown to $37 billion.
13. Economic Stabilisation Bills:
Tinubu revealed that the Federal Executive Council has approved a set of Economic Stabilisation Bills, which will now be sent to the National Assembly. These bills aim to make the business environment more favourable, attract investment, and reduce the tax burden on businesses and workers, thus driving growth and job creation.
14. Support for Local Government Autonomy:
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing the Supreme Court’s judgement on financial autonomy for local governments. This is seen as a key reform aimed at decentralising political and economic power, ensuring that local governments have the financial independence needed to manage their own affairs.
15. Efforts to Reduce Cost of Living:
The President acknowledged the global rise in living costs, particularly food prices, and assured Nigerians that his government is implementing measures to address these issues. He mentioned that agricultural mechanisation and investments in farming are key strategies to increase food production and ultimately bring down food costs.
16. Agricultural Mechanisation:
Tinubu commended states such as Kebbi, Niger, and Jigawa for embracing the Federal Government’s agricultural programme, particularly mechanised farming. He revealed plans to establish a local assembly plant for 2,000 John Deere tractors and other farming equipment. The goal is to boost agricultural output and create jobs, with the plant expected to be completed within six months.
17. Energy Transition and CNG Buses:
As part of Nigeria’s energy transition plan, Tinubu outlined efforts to promote the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in public transport. He revealed that the government is collaborating with the private sector to expand the use of CNG buses for mass transit, which will reduce transportation costs and improve access to cheaper, more sustainable energy.
18. Focus on Youth:
Tinubu emphasised Nigeria’s youth, who represent over 60% of the population. He announced the upcoming National Youth Confab, a 30-day conference aimed at addressing the various challenges faced by young people, including education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. This gathering will bring together youth from across the country to engage in meaningful dialogue and propose solutions to these issues. The Confab is designed to ensure that the voices and aspirations of young Nigerians are central to national policy-making.
19. Job Creation via LEEP:
The President unveiled the Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), which is designed to create 2.5 million jobs annually. LEEP is a comprehensive job creation initiative that aims to provide direct and indirect employment opportunities while ensuring the welfare and safety of Nigerian workers. It will be a cornerstone of his administration’s efforts to tackle unemployment and empower the youth.
20. Education Loans and Technical Talent Development:
Tinubu highlighted the government’s efforts to support education and youth development through programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which offers low-interest loans to students pursuing higher education. In addition, the 3 Million Technical Talents programme (3MTT), managed by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, aims to build Nigeria’s technical talent base, equipping young Nigerians with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
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