KEY POINTS

• Tinubu urges Nigerians to produce and not just consume.
• He says reforms causing hardship will stabilize the economy.
• Government promises to channel savings into critical needs.

President Bola Tinubu used his Independence Day address to call on Nigerians to embrace productivity, pay taxes, and support homegrown goods, warning that the country must shift from a consumer mindset to one of production if it wants to match global peers.

Speaking Wednesday, Tinubu acknowledged the economic pain caused by his government’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, but argued the measures were necessary to prevent collapse.

Tinubu independence day speech urges Nigerians to produce more

The president said the nation’s long-term survival depends on farming, manufacturing, and embracing “Made-in-Nigeria” goods. He urged states and local governments to join the federal effort to stimulate productivity and nation-building.

Economic hardship brings tough reforms

Tinubu conceded that rising inflation and living costs are hitting households, but maintained that reforms are steering the economy away from bankruptcy. He also said the government’s savings and stabilization measures will be reinvested into food, education, electricity, and security.

Building a foundation for self-reliance

Framing the country’s 65th independence anniversary as a call to action, Tinubu promised that ongoing reforms would translate into tangible improvements in daily life. Furthermore he called for unity, urging citizens to believe in Nigeria’s “boundless potential” and declaring that “a prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”