President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria has “stabilised and is moving forward again” after three years of his administration, highlighting major economic reforms, infrastructure projects, and social programmes in a nationwide address marking his third anniversary in office.
In the address delivered to Nigerians, the president said he took office at a time of severe economic and structural challenges, including rising debt, fuel subsidy pressures, foreign exchange distortions, insecurity, and declining public confidence in government institutions.
“When this administration assumed office, our nation faced profound economic and structural difficulties,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria was spending about ₦18.4 billion daily on fuel subsidies before the policy was removed, describing the system as “unsustainable” and a major drain on national resources.
According to him, difficult reforms were necessary to prevent a deeper economic crisis, even though they came with hardship for citizens.
“The easy choices would have been politically convenient. But leadership demands courage,” he said.
ECONOMIC REFORMS AND GROWTH CLAIMS
The president said government reforms have strengthened public finances, increased allocations to states and local governments, and restored investor confidence.
He also pointed to strong performance in the stock market, saying the All Share Index rose from about 53,000 points in 2023 to 250,000, while market capitalisation increased from ₦30 trillion to ₦160 trillion.
“Our economy is now more competitive and better positioned for sustainable growth than it was in 2023. Public finances are improving. States and local governments have greater resources to invest in their people. Investor confidence is growing. The stock market is booming, with the All Share Index rising from 53,000 and market capitalisation of N30 Trillion in 2023 to a record All Share Index of 250,000 and market capitalisation of N160 Trillion this year. Companies are declaring record profits and dividends.
“Critical infrastructure projects are advancing at an unprecedented scale. Over 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads are under construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, the East-West Road, and many rural access roads. Significant sections are already completed or nearing completion, improving transportation, reducing travel time, boosting regional trade, and creating thousands of jobs.
“Rail modernisation projects are ongoing to improve connectivity, logistics, and economic integration across the federation.”
“In the oil and gas sector, the reforms we instituted have attracted billions of dollars in fresh investment from the international oil companies that had shunned our country. The $5 billion NLNG Train 7 project is nearing completion to boost LNG production capacity, exports, and dividends.
“Domestic gas utilisation is expanding. Local refining capacity has improved our energy security. With large-scale domestic and modular refineries operational, Nigeria is reducing its dependence on imported petroleum products and conserving foreign exchange.
“For years, the power sector suffered from debt, underinvestment, and uncertainty, which weakened generation capacity and limited growth. Today, we are confronting those challenges directly.
“Our administration is clearing legacy obligations, expanding transmission infrastructure, investing in renewable energy, and strengthening the national grid because no modern economy can grow in darkness. When power improves, businesses expand, industries grow, jobs are created, and families prosper.
“We are determined to power Nigeria into a new era of industrial growth and economic opportunity.”
AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, AND HOUSING
The president said agricultural interventions have supported millions of farmers through inputs, financing, and mechanisation programmes.
He also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which he said has supported over 1.5 million students with more than ₦282 billion in disbursements.
“Agricultural interventions have supported millions of farmers by improving seedlings, fertilisers, mechanisation, and irrigation and by expanding access to finance and markets. We are opening new agricultural corridors to create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and reduce pressure on household incomes.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has provided over 1.5 million students with access to higher education, disbursing more than ₦282 billion to ensure that no willing student is denied access due to financial hardship.
“Our Renewed Hope Housing Programme, along with that of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), is delivering over 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT, creating over 300,000 jobs and expanding access to affordable housing. Major Renewed Hope Cities in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano are progressing steadily. Our consumer credit initiative, CREDICORP, is opening up new economic opportunities for workers and families.
“In healthcare, thousands of primary healthcare centres are being revitalised, while health insurance coverage is expanding for vulnerable Nigerians.”
SECURITY AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Tinubu acknowledged ongoing security challenges but said government forces are intensifying operations against terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes.
He also described young people as “the engine of Nigeria’s future,” saying the government is investing in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
“To our young people, I want you to know this nation believes in you. You are not a problem to be managed. You are the engine of Nigeria’s future. Across technology, manufacturing, creative industries, agriculture, sports, and entrepreneurship, we are expanding opportunities for you to compete and succeed. We are investing in digital skills, technical education, innovation, student financing, and enterprise support because the future must be driven by Nigerian talent, creativity, and productivity.
“Security remains central to our national mission and to the creation of a virile and prosperous society. Our Armed Forces and security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and criminal networks. While challenges remain, many communities and highways are becoming safer and more economically active. We continue investing in intelligence, surveillance, logistics, technology, and inter-agency coordination. We are improving the capabilities of our armed forces and security agencies, and reclaiming the authority of the Nigerian state wherever criminality threatens peace and order. While we continue to confront the challenges head-on, progress is being made. I want to assure you that this government will not relent until every Nigerian can live, work, travel, and dream in safety.”
“My fellow Nigerians,
A nation develops when its people can see and touch progress. From highways under construction to rail modernisation and expanded energy investments, our goal remains clear: to build a Nigeria that works for Nigerians.
“We have not solved every problem, and we are not yet where we want to be. But the foundation for recovery has been laid. The task before us now is clear: we must ensure that the benefits of reform are felt more directly in the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“We shall achieve this task by continuing to ensure that food prices, which have largely come down from their peak in 2023/2024, remain low.
We are also working to reduce transportation costs as operators of commercial trucks, buses, and taxis convert their petrol engines to CNG and switch to electric vehicles. We have also set our sights on creating more opportunities for decent work and enabling enterprise expansion.”
A CALL TO NATIONAL PURPOSE
“The journey of national renewal is not completed in a single year or a single administration’s tenure. Nations rise when their people remain united in purpose, disciplined in effort, and hopeful about the future.
We must choose hope over despair, unity over division, and nation-building over narrow interests.
“But true security and prosperity require that every Nigerian feel included and valued. Nigeria belongs to all of us—no region, faith, or group should feel marginalised or forgotten. Our diversity is a source of strength. Whether Christian or Muslim, North or South, urban or rural, we rise or fall together as one nation under God.
“To our youth, workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, security personnel, students, and diaspora: your sacrifices sustain our nation, and they will not be in vain. To the international community and investors: Nigeria remains committed to democratic stability, economic reform, responsible governance, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
“My fellow Nigerians,
History teaches us that great nations are not built in comfort. They are built through sacrifice, resilience, courage, and collective purpose.
Ours is a nation of extraordinary people. We survived civil war and rebuilt.
We overcame dictatorship and restored democracy. We endured hardship and remain bearers of hope. The Nigerian spirit remains strong and unbroken.
“Today, the world is watching our country again, not as a nation defined by its difficulties, but as a nation determined to rise. Across agriculture, infrastructure, power, technology, manufacturing, and industry, the signs of recovery are becoming clearer. Confidence is returning. Productivity is improving. Opportunity is expanding.
LOOKING FORWARD
” The work ahead is enormous, but I remain optimistic because I believe deeply in this country and in you, the Nigerian people.
“I ask you to keep faith with Nigeria. Let us reject cynicism and division. Let us move forward together, united in purpose, disciplined in effort, compassionate toward one another, and confident in the greatness that lies ahead.
“My fellow Nigerians, history tests nations before it elevates them. Nigeria is passing through such a test. But I believe with all my heart that we shall emerge stronger, fairer, more united, and more prosperous than ever before.
“Let us continue this journey together. Let us build a Nigeria that is secure, prosperous, inclusive, and respected worldwide. Let us continue to believe in the promise of our nation.
“May God bless you all.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”