Nigeria At 64: Reform Is Necessary For Survival — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, in his national broadcast marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, underscored the urgency for reforms to prevent the nation from facing collapse. He reflected on the precarious state of Nigeria when he took office 16 months ago, citing fiscal misalignments, economic downturn, and security challenges as major hurdles inherited from past administrations.

Tinubu’s government prioritized reforming both the political economy and the defense architecture to address these challenges. He noted significant progress, including attracting $30 billion in foreign direct investment and reducing Nigeria’s debt service ratio from 97% to 68%. The administration also made strides in agriculture, industrial advancements, and security, with over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders eliminated.

Despite the global rise in living costs, Tinubu assured Nigerians of ongoing efforts to tackle the high cost of living, particularly through agricultural initiatives and mechanized farming to boost food production. His administration’s reforms aim to create jobs, stimulate investments, and ensure a stable, sustainable economy. He called on Nigerians to learn from past mistakes and look forward to a future of prosperity and national unity.

In addition to economic and security reforms, Tinubu emphasized empowering youth through the upcoming National Youth Conference and other initiatives, including the 3 million Technical Talents program and educational loan funds, aimed at fostering innovation and addressing employment challenges.