Tinubu’s 3rd Anniversary Address To Nigerians — Full Speech

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday addressed Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast to commemorate the third anniversary of his administration, highlighting key reforms, economic recovery efforts, infrastructure expansion, and renewed optimism for the country’s future.

According to reports, the President reflected on the challenges his administration inherited upon assumption of office on May 29, 2023, noting that Nigeria was grappling with mounting fiscal pressures, fuel subsidy burdens, exchange-rate distortions, rising debt obligations, insecurity, and declining public confidence in state institutions.

Tinubu defended the controversial removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, describing the decisions as painful but necessary steps taken to prevent economic collapse and restore long-term stability. He revealed that the country had previously spent trillions of naira annually on fuel subsidies and suffered massive losses due to forex arbitrage and speculative practices.

The President acknowledged the hardship experienced by Nigerians following the reforms, particularly the sharp rise in the cost of living, but assured citizens that their sacrifices were beginning to yield results. He stated that the economy had stabilised and was now positioned for sustainable growth, with investor confidence gradually returning.

Highlighting achievements recorded so far, Tinubu pointed to improvements in public finances, rising activity in the capital market, and major infrastructure projects currently ongoing across the country. He cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, and East-West Road among key projects aimed at boosting economic integration and job creation.

The President also disclosed that rail modernisation projects were progressing steadily to enhance transportation and logistics nationwide.

Speaking on the oil and gas sector, Tinubu said reforms introduced by his administration had attracted fresh foreign investments and improved domestic refining capacity. He noted that projects such as the NLNG Train 7 were nearing completion, while local refineries were helping reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

On electricity supply, the President admitted that the power sector had suffered years of neglect and underinvestment but said his administration was addressing legacy debts, strengthening transmission infrastructure, and expanding renewable energy investments to support industrial growth and economic productivity.

Tinubu further highlighted interventions in agriculture, housing, healthcare, and education, stating that millions of farmers had benefited from government support programmes while over 1.5 million students had accessed loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

He revealed that the Renewed Hope Housing Programme and projects under the Federal Housing Authority were delivering thousands of housing units across several states, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in the process.

The President also emphasised efforts to strengthen the telecommunications sector and expand digital access, noting that increased investment in telecom infrastructure was critical to economic growth and innovation.

Addressing Nigerian youths, Tinubu described them as the driving force of the nation’s future and pledged continued investment in technology, innovation, technical education, and enterprise support to unlock more opportunities for young people.

On security, the President said the Armed Forces and security agencies had intensified operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and oil thieves across the country. While admitting that challenges remained, he maintained that progress was being made in restoring peace and reclaiming communities affected by criminal activities.

Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and committed to nation-building despite ongoing economic and social challenges. He stressed that the process of national renewal required sacrifice, resilience, and collective effort from citizens across all regions and backgrounds.

The President assured the international community and investors that Nigeria remained committed to democratic governance, economic reforms, and stable partnerships.

Concluding his address, Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, insisting that the country was gradually overcoming its challenges and positioning itself for greater prosperity, stability, and global respect.