Economy better positioned for sustainable growth – Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria’s economy is now more competitive and better positioned for sustainable growth than it was in 2023. He said that although his administration could not claim to have solved all the challenges facing the country and that Nigeria was not yet where it ought to be, “the foundation […]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria’s economy is now more competitive and better positioned for sustainable growth than it was in 2023.
He said that although his administration could not claim to have solved all the challenges facing the country and that Nigeria was not yet where it ought to be, “the foundation for recovery has been laid.”
In his third anniversary message to Nigerians, the President said he is aware of the magnitude of the challenges before the country, “but also confident in the resilience and potential of the Nigerian people.”
He said the work ahead is enormous, adding that the “task before us now is clear: we must ensure that the benefits of reform are felt more directly in the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.”
The Nigerian leader said he understands the sacrifices many families have made in recent years and shares their hopes for a better Nigeria.
He said when he assumed office in 2023, the country “faced profound economic and structural difficulties. Mounting fiscal pressures, unsustainable fuel subsidies, declining revenues, exchange-rate distortions, rising debt-servicing costs, insecurity in several parts of the country, energy supply constraints, and declining public confidence.”
President Tinubu said if he had refused to act, “our nation would have drifted toward fiscal breakdown, worsening poverty, and severe economic uncertainty. Together, we chose reform over ruin and decisiveness over hesitation. We chose long-term national recovery over short-term comfort.
“These decisions came with sacrifice. The rising cost of living triggered by our measures placed enormous pressure on families, workers, and businesses. Young people searching for jobs felt discouraged. Many questioned whether these difficult decisions would lead to a better future.
“I remain deeply conscious of those sacrifices, and I assure you: your sacrifice has not been in vain. And today, I can say with confidence that Nigeria has stabilised and is moving forward again. Across the country, visible progress is taking shape.”
The President admitted that “the work ahead is enormous, but I remain optimistic because I believe deeply in this country and in you, the Nigerian people.
“I ask you to keep faith with Nigeria. Let us reject cynicism and division. Let us move forward together, united in purpose, disciplined in effort, compassionate toward one another, and confident in the greatness that lies ahead.”
He further said, “Critical infrastructure projects are advancing at an unprecedented scale. Over 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads are under construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, the East-West Road, and many rural access roads.
“Significant sections are already completed or nearing completion, improving transportation, reducing travel time, boosting regional trade, and creating thousands of jobs. Rail modernisation projects are ongoing to improve connectivity, logistics, and economic integration across the federation.”
He said for years, the power sector suffered from debt, underinvestment, and uncertainty, which weakened generation capacity and limited growth. “Today, we are confronting those challenges directly.
“Our administration is clearing legacy obligations, expanding transmission infrastructure, investing in renewable energy, and strengthening the national grid because no modern economy can grow in darkness. When power improves, businesses expand, industries grow, jobs are created, and families prosper.
“We are determined to power Nigeria into a new era of industrial growth and economic opportunity.”
He said in the last three years agricultural interventions have supported millions of farmers by improving seedlings, fertilisers, mechanisation, and irrigation and by expanding access to finance and markets.
“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has provided over 1.5 million students with access to higher education, disbursing more than N282 billion to ensure that no willing student is denied access due to financial hardship.
“Our Renewed Hope Housing Programme, along with that of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), is delivering over 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT, creating over 300,000 jobs and expanding access to affordable housing.
“Thousands of primary healthcare centres are being revitalised, while health insurance coverage is expanding for vulnerable Nigerians,” he added.
Security, national unity
President Tinubu noted that security remains central to the creation of a virile and prosperous society and that the Armed Forces and security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and criminal networks.
He said while challenges remain, many communities and highways are becoming safer and more economically active.
“While we continue to confront the challenges head-on, progress is being made. I want to assure you that this government will not relent until every Nigerian can live, work, travel, and dream in safety,” he said.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to choose hope over despair, unity over division, and nation-building over narrow interests as true security and prosperity require that every Nigerian feel included and valued.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us—no region, faith, or group should feel marginalised or forgotten. Our diversity is a source of strength. Whether Christian or Muslim, North or South, urban or rural, we rise or fall together as one nation under God,” he said.