Our Hard Choices Are Bearing Fruit – President Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has stated that the tough but essential reforms introduced by his administration are beginning to show positive results across the country.

He made this remark on Wednesday during his national broadcast to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day.

“This marks my third Independence Day address to you since taking office on May 29, 2023,” Tinubu said. “Over the past 28 months, I have, like the visionary leaders before me, remained firmly committed to the ongoing task of nation-building.”

He recalled that when his government came into power, it inherited a deeply troubled economy, weakened by years of flawed fiscal policies and mismanagement that stifled genuine growth.

“We were faced with a stark choice: maintain the status quo and risk further decline or embrace bold and comprehensive reforms,” he explained. “We chose the latter—prioritizing the future over short-term ease. Now, less than three years later, the results of those difficult choices are beginning to emerge.”

One of Tinubu’s earliest and most controversial decisions in office was to eliminate the fuel subsidy, a move that triggered sharp increases in fuel prices and contributed to rising food costs. However, the president defended the decision as a necessary step to redirect national resources.

“To set Nigeria on a path of lasting progress, we dismantled the corrupt fuel subsidy regime and abolished multiple exchange rates that only enriched a few at the expense of the many,” he said. “These funds are now being reinvested into critical sectors like education, healthcare, security, agriculture, infrastructure, and social welfare programs.”

He emphasized that these policy shifts are designed to enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians. “Thanks to these tough reforms, governments at all levels—federal, state, and local—now have more financial capacity to meet the needs of the people and tackle developmental issues more effectively,” Tinubu added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence in 1960, the president acknowledged that while the country hasn’t fulfilled all the dreams of its founding fathers, it has made meaningful strides.

“In 65 years of nationhood, Nigeria has made notable advances in economic development, social unity, and physical infrastructure. Our economy has expanded significantly since independence,” he said.