Nigeria @66: Difficult Reforms Over, Prosperity Next — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has moved beyond the most difficult phase of his administration’s economic reforms, saying the country is now entering what he described as an “age of prosperity.”

Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday in his Independence Day address to Nigerians as the country marked its 66th anniversary.

In the address, themed “From Reform to Prosperity,” the President defended the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, saying the measures were necessary to address longstanding economic distortions.

He said the reforms had imposed significant difficulties on Nigerians but argued that they were necessary to stabilise the economy and create a foundation for sustainable growth.

According to Tinubu, the country’s immediate priority had now shifted from correcting economic distortions to delivering shared and widespread prosperity.

“The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired,” he said, adding that the next phase would focus on improving living standards and expanding economic opportunities.

The President said the government would prioritise reducing the cost of living by lowering the cost of producing and transporting goods, while also creating more jobs and supporting businesses.

He also said the economy had grown by more than four per cent in 2026, with both the oil and non-oil sectors contributing to what he described as a period of stable growth.

Tinubu further highlighted improvements in foreign exchange market stability, foreign reserves and non-oil exports. He said Nigeria recorded more than $6 billion in non-oil export revenue in 2025.

On the petrol subsidy, the President warned against attempts to reverse the policy, saying a return to subsidy payments would undermine the reforms already implemented.

He urged Nigerians to reject what he described as calls to return to the previous subsidy regime, insisting that the country must consolidate the gains from the reforms.

The President said the government’s next phase would focus on increasing production, expanding industrial capacity, improving agriculture, strengthening infrastructure and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.

He also pledged greater attention to food security, healthcare, education, social protection and other areas affecting household welfare.

Tinubu acknowledged that Nigerians had made significant sacrifices during the reform period but said the government would now work to ensure that economic stability translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

He called for unity and continued support for national development as Nigeria begins its 67th year as an independent nation.