President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has moved beyond the difficult phase of economic reforms and entered what he described as an “age of prosperity,” with his administration now focused on reducing the cost of living, creating jobs and improving opportunities for Nigerians.
Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in his Independence Day address to the nation as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary.
The President said the reforms introduced by his administration had corrected longstanding economic distortions despite the difficulties experienced by Nigerians.
He said the economy had grown by more than four per cent in 2026, while inflation had fallen substantially, oil theft had declined, foreign reserves had been rebuilt and the foreign exchange market had stabilised.
Tinubu also said Nigeria recorded more than six billion dollars in non-oil export revenue in 2025, describing it as the highest in the country’s history.
He said the government would now focus on translating economic gains into improved living conditions by lowering the cost of producing and transporting goods.
According to him, the administration would expand mechanised farming, irrigation, access to seeds and fertiliser, storage facilities and transportation infrastructure to increase food production and reduce costs.
The President also identified job creation and industrial growth as key priorities, promising to use Nigeria’s gas resources to power industries, expand digital connectivity, develop relevant skills and support businesses.
He said the government would strengthen support for vulnerable Nigerians through direct assistance, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, CREDICORP, primary healthcare and basic education.
Tinubu acknowledged that millions of Nigerians still struggle with food, school fees, healthcare and transportation, but said these challenges were the result of problems that had accumulated over decades.
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He expressed confidence that sustained economic growth and productive opportunities would gradually lift Nigerians out of poverty.
The President urged Nigerians to look ahead with renewed hope, saying the country had corrected its course and laid the foundation for a future where prosperity would be broadly shared.
He called on citizens to move forward together, with faith in themselves and the country, declaring that “the age of reform has done its work” and “now begins the age of prosperity.”
Tinubu concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Day and calling for continued unity as the country works towards a future of greater opportunity and abundance.
