10 major highlights of Tinubu’s 66th Independence Day address

President Bola Tinubu has said his administration has moved beyond the initial phase of economic reforms and is now focused on delivering shared prosperity for Nigerians.

Tinubu stated this in his 66th Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, PUNCH Online reports.

He also highlighted 10 major areas of progress and policy direction, including economic growth, cost-of-living measures, youth employment, social protection, education, security and consumer credit.

The following were among the key highlights of the President’s address:

1. Shift from “Reform” to “Prosperity”

Tinubu said the initial phase of emergency economic reforms had been completed, with the administration now moving from foundational economic repairs to a focus on shared and widespread prosperity.

He said the reforms were necessary to address longstanding structural challenges in the economy and create the foundation for sustainable growth.

2. Economic indicators and growth

The President said the Nigerian economy grew by more than four per cent in 2026, driven by both the oil and non-oil sectors.

He added that foreign reserves had been rebuilt, inflation had declined from its peak, while the foreign exchange market had stabilised.

Tinubu also said non-oil export revenues reached a record high of more than $6bn in 2025.

3. Tackling the cost of living

The President identified reducing the cost of living as a major priority of his administration.

He said the government was working to reduce production and transportation costs through expanded mechanised irrigation, dry-season farming and improved access to agricultural inputs.

Tinubu also highlighted investments in roads, railways, ports and power infrastructure as part of efforts to bring down the cost of doing business and ease pressure on households.

4. Youth and demographic strategy

Tinubu said his administration would leverage Nigeria’s large youthful population as an engine of production by making jobs, enterprise and industrial growth central to national policies.

He said the government was focusing on gas-powered industries, the revival of factories, digital connectivity and skills development to expand opportunities for young Nigerians.

5. Social safety nets and direct support

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The President said the government was updating the National Social Register to improve the targeting of direct assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

He also said the administration remained committed to the timely payment of salaries and pensions as part of measures to protect households and workers.

6. Consumer credit expansion through CREDICORP

Tinubu highlighted the role of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation in expanding access to consumer credit for working Nigerians.

He said the initiative would enable beneficiaries to acquire assets such as vehicles, solar power systems and digital devices without having to save for several years before making such purchases.

7. Educational support through NELFUND

The President said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund was helping to ensure that children from low-income families could access higher education without financial barriers.

He described NELFUND as an important part of the administration’s effort to expand educational opportunities and improve access to tertiary education.

8. Security and protection of national resources

Tinubu cited the reduction in oil theft as a significant achievement of his administration.

He commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and protecting the country’s resources.

9. Defence of economic reforms

The President defended the decision to remove fuel subsidies and implement structural economic reforms, describing the measures as difficult but necessary.

Tinubu compared Nigeria’s previous approach to using “morphine” to mask deep-rooted economic problems rather than addressing their underlying causes.

He maintained that the reforms were designed to tackle structural weaknesses and put the economy on a more sustainable footing.

10. Call for unity and continued sacrifice

Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain disciplined and focused on the future, stressing that the sacrifices made during the reform period were intended to establish a lasting foundation for a stronger and more resilient economy.

He urged citizens to remain united and committed to the task of building a more prosperous Nigeria.