On the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, President Bola Tinubu, in a national broadcast on Tuesday, outlined his administration’s achievements in security and the ongoing economic reforms aimed at addressing the challenges facing the nation.
Winning the War on Terrorism and Banditry
President Tinubu emphasized the progress made in tackling security challenges, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom. He credited the military for eliminating over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders in various regions of Nigeria, including the Northeast and Northwest. He also highlighted the restoration of peace to hundreds of communities, allowing displaced citizens to return to their homes.
“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever… We have restored peace to hundreds of communities,” Tinubu said.
He further assured Nigerians that the military is committed to bringing an end to these security threats as soon as possible, which would allow farmers to return to their land, contributing to increased food production and lower food prices.
Addressing Economic Hardships
The President acknowledged the current economic hardships faced by many Nigerians, assuring citizens that his government is working tirelessly to alleviate their suffering. He pointed out that economic reforms, although challenging, are necessary for sustainable growth.
“As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens,” he said, urging Nigerians to be patient as the reforms begin to show positive signs of recovery.
Celebrating Nigeria’s Achievements
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence, Tinubu highlighted the country’s ability to overcome significant challenges, including political crises and civil wars. He noted that despite these challenges, Nigeria has remained united and resilient, with democracy taking root and the country continuing to make progress in various sectors.
“Over six decades later, we can look back, and Nigerians worldwide can see how well we have succeeded in realising the lofty dreams of our founding fathers,” he said.
The Path Forward
Tinubu emphasized that while celebrating Nigeria’s progress, it is equally important to recognize the mistakes made in the past. He called for a collective effort to ensure that those mistakes do not hinder the nation’s future growth.
“My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture… We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform,” Tinubu stated.
Attracting Foreign Investment and Economic Growth
Tinubu highlighted the success of economic reforms, stating that Nigeria has attracted over $30 billion in foreign direct investment in the last year. He also reaffirmed his commitment to free enterprise and the importance of regulatory processes in fostering economic growth, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
“The move will create vibrancy and increase oil and gas production, positively impacting our economy,” Tinubu concluded, referring to upcoming divestments in the petroleum sector.
As Nigeria marks its 64th year of independence, President Tinubu called on citizens to reflect on how far the country has come and to renew their commitment to building a better nation for future generations.
