President Bola Tinubu has cautioned against returning Nigeria to unsustainable policies of the past, declaring that the country is now moving from an era of painful economic reforms into a phase of visible prosperity for all citizens.

President Tinubu stated this on Thursday during his nationwide broadcast on October 1, 2026, in celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The President said the reforms introduced by his administration were designed to confront Nigeria’s underlying economic weaknesses, urging Nigerians to resist calls for a return to unsustainable subsidies.

“Today, as we celebrate our independence, we must speak honestly about the journey so far, the choices we made, and the country we are determined to build from here.

“For too long, the promise of Nigeria was undermined by choices that postponed difficult decisions and allowed deep economic distortions to grow.

“Our reforms did not create the weaknesses in our economy. They confronted them. We must remember why we began this journey and how far we have already come,” he stated.

President Tinubu said the country had reached a new phase after three years devoted to correcting the direction of the economy, affirming that the focus would now shift to shared and widespread prosperity.

“When this Administration assumed office, we resolved to do things differently. We chose to excise the cancer. The reforms that followed were difficult. The side effects were real. Yet, we must never confuse the medicine with the disease.

“Our reforms did not create the weaknesses in our economy. They confronted them. Now, as certain influential but regressive voices would have us abandon the treatment and return to the abuse of addictive subsidies, we must resist their siren song. We must remember why we began this journey and how far we have already come,” he said.

The President restated that prosperity must go beyond economic growth, abstract figures and improved statistics to tangible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.

He said the administration envisions a Nigeria where farmers produce safely and profitably, factories have reliable power, businesses access credit and young people find productive jobs.

President Tinubu said that the target is to make food and transportation affordable, expand access to education and enable hard-working families to look to the future with more confidence.

On the state of the economy, the President said growth had exceeded four per cent this year, with both the oil and non-oil sectors contributing to “a renewed period of stable growth”.

He also cited reduced oil theft, declining inflation, stronger foreign reserves and greater stability in the foreign exchange market as signs of improvement.

“Three and a half years later, the evidence that Nigeria’s economic outlook has improved is undeniable. Our economy has grown by over 4 per cent this year. Both the oil and non-oil sectors have contributed to the renewed period of stable growth.

“Oil theft is down. Inflation has fallen substantially from its peak. Our foreign reserves have been rebuilt, our foreign exchange market has stabilised, and in 2025 this country recorded its highest revenue from non-oil exports in its history, exceeding $6 billion. This is real money being made by real Nigerian businesses,” the president emphasised.

President Tinubu projected a future Nigeria defined by abundance and opportunity, where prosperity is broadly shared and reflected in the lives of citizens across the country.

President Tinubu concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Day and praying for God’s continued blessing on the people and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.