President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation and self-reliance as the nation marked its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, urging citizens to put “Nigeria first” despite the economic pain caused by his government’s reforms.
In a national broadcast, Tinubu appealed to households and businesses to produce more and consume less, highlighting agriculture, local manufacturing and tax compliance as critical drivers of growth. “Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,” he said.
The president acknowledged that measures such as the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic adjustments had unleashed inflation and a higher cost of living, but defended them as necessary to prevent financial collapse. “Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option,” he said.
Tinubu insisted his administration was laying a stronger economic foundation, pledging that savings and new revenues would be channelled into food security, education, electricity and community safety. “The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,” he said.
Marking the 65th anniversary of independence from British rule, Tinubu framed his message as one of hope and national renewal. “Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he declared.
Independence Day in Nigeria is typically celebrated with military parades, cultural displays and public festivities, though this year’s federal ceremonies were scaled back.
