10 Key Points From President Tinubu’s 2026 Independence Day Address

1. Nigeria has moved from reform to prosperity

    Tinubu declared that the difficult phase of economic reforms has laid the foundation for a new era focused on shared and widespread prosperity.

2. Government defended its economic reforms

    He said the reforms introduced since 2023 were necessary to correct longstanding economic distortions and rejected calls to return to what he described as unsustainable subsidies.

3. Economy has shown signs of recovery

    The President said Nigeria’s economy has grown by more than 4% in 2026, with both the oil and non-oil sectors contributing to growth.

4. Inflation and foreign exchange pressures have eased

    Tinubu said inflation has fallen substantially from its peak, foreign reserves have been rebuilt, and the foreign exchange market has stabilised.

5. Non-oil exports hit a record

    He said Nigeria recorded its highest-ever non-oil export revenue in 2025, exceeding $6 billion, describing this as evidence of stronger Nigerian businesses and production.

6. Lowering the cost of living is now the priority

    The President said government would focus on reducing the cost of producing and transporting goods through agricultural productivity, infrastructure, energy and improved logistics.

7. Jobs and industrialisation will take centre stage

    Tinubu pledged to use Nigeria’s gas resources to power industries, revive factories, expand digital connectivity, develop job-relevant skills and improve access to infrastructure and finance for businesses.

8. Government will strengthen social protection

    He acknowledged that millions of Nigerians are still struggling and said government would improve the National Social Register and strengthen direct support for vulnerable households.

9. Education, healthcare and access to credit will be expanded

    He highlighted NELFUND for higher-education financing, CREDICORP for consumer credit, and continued investment in primary healthcare, basic education and essential public services.

10. Tinubu declared that Nigeria must now look forward

    Using the biblical imagery of crossing the Red Sea, the President said Nigeria had “corrected its course” and urged Nigerians to move forward together toward what he called the “Promised Land” of abundance, opportunity and broadly shared prosperity.