Photo caption: President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu says his reforms of the past two years in office are laying a sustainable foundation for a more prosperous future for Nigerians.
Tinubu, who was elected as President on May 29, 2023, stated that his Renewed Hope Agenda was working to reduce the cost of living, promote economic justice and build a business-friendly economy that attracts investment and supports every Nigerian.
“We are laying the foundation for a more sustainable future…together, we are creating a system where prosperity is shared, and no one is left behind,” Tinubu stated in his nationwide address to mark his second year in office today.
He framed these efforts as building blocks for a “more sustainable future” and thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support.
In commending Nigerians for their steadfastness through two turbulent years, he said their support had been vital to confronting inherited challenges head-on.
“Fellow Nigerians, as we mark the second anniversary of our administration, I salute your resilience and undaunted spirit.
“While my administration has implemented the reforms to restore and reinvigorate our economy and strengthen our social fabric as a strong and united country, I must thank my fellow citizens for your unrelenting support and belief in the grand vision we share to uplift our nation and renew our collective hopes and aspirations.
“Two years ago, you entrusted me with the sacred responsibility to lead our nation at a time of historic challenges. Together, we have faced these headwinds with courage and determination. The economic and general situation of the country I inherited required that we redirect the country’s affairs with a bold and new vision. I immediately implemented two necessary policies to stop our country from further drifting into the precipice,” he noted.
The President argued that if the Federal Government and the other two tiers of government were to remain viable and cater to the citizens’ welfare, it must do away with decades-long fuel subsidies and the corruption-ridden multiple foreign exchange windows.
“The two were no longer sustainable and have become a chokehold on our nation’s neck, strangling our nation’s future,” he argued.
He reminded citizens that the administration is at the halfway mark of its mandate and reaffirmed that the economic turnaround is well underway.
“Today, May 29, 2025, offers our administration the opportunity to share again how far we have gone and our progress in steering our country along the critical path of socio-economic development.
“When we embarked on this journey, propelled by a burst of hope and abiding faith in Nigeria’s unity and progress, I made a pledge before God and fellow countrymen and women to confront Nigeria’s challenges head-on by rebuilding trust, fostering prosperity, and restoring our nation’s economic health.
“Today, I proudly affirm that our economic reforms are working. We are on course to building a greater, more economically stable nation,” said Tinubu.
He explained that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, his administration remained open about its drive to tackle economic instability, improve security nationwide, reduce corruption, reform governance, and lift our people out of poverty.
“We have remained honest by acknowledging some of the difficulties experienced by our compatriots and families.
“We do not take your patience for granted. I must restate that the only alternative to the reforms our administration initiated was a fiscal crisis that would have bred runaway inflation, external debt default, crippling fuel shortages, a plunging Naira, and an economy in a free-fall,” he said.
Tinubu detailed key indicators showing that inflation is easing, oil investments are up, and fiscal performance is stronger than at any point in recent memory.
The President acknowledged that, although living-cost pressures persist, the economy is showing clear improvement.
He noted that inflation is easing as prices of rice and other basic foods fall. According to him, the oil-and-gas sector has rebounded, with rig activity more than quadruple its 2021 level and fresh investments exceeding $8bn.
He argued that these gains have stabilised the economy, leaving it better placed for future growth and more resilient to external shocks.
He announced a new strategic framework to guide Nigeria’s long-term fiscal health and fairness.
“There is a deliberate focus on our youth, who a friendlier tax environment for digital jobs and remote work will empower.
“Through export incentives, Nigerian businesses will be able to compete globally.
“Our National Single Window project streamlines international trade, reduces delays, and enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness,” said the President.
He continued, “Most importantly, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable future by introducing a new national fiscal policy. This strategic framework will guide our approach to fair taxation, responsible borrowing, and disciplined spending.
“To promote fairness and accountability, we are establishing a Tax Ombudsman, an independent institution that will protect vulnerable taxpayers and ensure the system works for everyone, especially small businesses.
“These reforms are designed to reduce the cost of living, promote economic justice, and build a business-friendly economy that attracts investment and supports every Nigerian. Together, we are creating a system where prosperity is shared, and no one is left behind.”
Reviewing public finances, the President said 2025 results are on course: crude-oil receipts are matching budget projections as output rises, and the fiscal deficit has dropped sharply, from 5.4 per cent of GDP in 2023 to 3.0 per cent in 2024, on the back of stronger revenue collection and greater transparency. First-quarter earnings, he added, topped N6tn.
He further explained that the government has halted Ways-and-Means borrowing, a key driver of past inflation. With fuel subsidies removed, the NNPC has become a net contributor to the Federation Account, and expanded domestic refining is now shoring up the nation’s fuel security.
The President reported notable gains in Nigeria’s debt profile, stressing that emergency borrowing has been curtailed and key ratios have improved. He said the debt-to-GDP figure, temporarily lifted by currency revaluation to about 53 per cent, is now paired with a much healthier debt-service-to-revenue ratio, which has fallen from nearly 100 per cent in 2022 to below 40 per cent in 2024.
IMF obligations have been cleared, he added, while external reserves have soared from roughly $4bn in 2023 to more than $23bn by year-end 2024. Reforms have also boosted state-level income by more than N6tn, enabling governors to trim debt, pay salaries and pensions on schedule, and channel fresh resources into roads, schools, and other vital projects.
On revenue policy, the President described a sweeping overhaul aimed at broadening the tax base, shielding vulnerable households, and spurring inclusive growth.
He noted that the tax-to-GDP ratio has already jumped from 10 per cent to about 13.5 per cent in a single year, crediting improved administration and a shift toward a fairer, more growth-oriented system.
Multiple levies that once stifled small businesses are being scrapped, while essential goods and services, including food, education, healthcare, rent, public transport, and renewable energy, now carry either 0 per cent or no value-added tax, leaving more money in workers’ pockets.
At the same time, blanket tax waivers are being replaced with transparent, targeted incentives for manufacturing, technology, and agriculture—measures the President said will drive investment and broaden prosperity.
Tinubu said his administration has revitalised the solid minerals industry, boosting revenues and attracting investors who are now building local processing facilities instead of merely shipping raw ore abroad.
On health, he reported that more than 1,000 primary-health centres have already been refurbished and another 5,500 are being upgraded, while six new cancer-treatment centres—three of which are complete—will expand specialist care.
Free dialysis is available at pilot tertiary hospitals, over 4,000 women have benefited from no-cost caesarean sections, and national health-insurance coverage has risen from 16 million to 20 million people in two years.
These measures, he argued, are helping the economy rebound, with real GDP growth hitting 4.6 per cent in the final quarter of 2024 and 3.4 per cent for the full year—one of the strongest performances in a decade.
The President maintained that economic progress cannot be sustained without robust security. He said coordination among military, police and intelligence agencies has improved, while better welfare packages motivate personnel.
Recent operations, he noted, have reclaimed parts of the northwest from bandits, made highways safer and rescued multiple kidnap victims. He urged security chiefs to remain vigilant, insisting that every Nigerian deserves a life free of fear.
Tinubu highlighted expanded access to higher education through new infrastructure and a student-loan scheme for indigent learners. He added that upgraded health facilities, broader social-investment programmes and targeted MSME funding are equipping young people with skills and jobs.
At NASENI, he said a “digital-first” overhaul now supports projects such as Innovate Naija, Irrigate Nigeria and a renewable-energy park in Gora, while factories assembling electric vehicles and producing rapid-diagnostic kits are creating high-value employment, including for the first cohort of female drone engineers.
On food security, Tinubu announced that his administration has rolled out large-scale initiatives to raise crop output, support farmers and stabilise prices, backed by thousands of new tractors, tools and fertiliser supplies.
Nationwide, hundreds of road projects—among them the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano dual carriageway and the Second Niger Bridge link roads—are under construction or rehabilitation, the president said, adding that power generation is being lifted through grid upgrades and investment in off-grid solar.
Internationally, Tinubu said the forthcoming Motherland Festival will showcase Nigeria’s culture and creative economy, while new diaspora-focused instruments—such as the diaspora bond and non-resident BVN—aim to make it easier for Nigerians abroad to invest in the country’s future.
Tinubu concluded, “Once again, I acknowledge the sacrifices many Nigerians have made and continue to make as we reposition our country, not just for today but for generations yet unborn.
“Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So is our resolve to tackle emerging challenges. By the Grace of God, we are confident that the worst is behind us.
“The real impact of our governance objectives is beginning to take hold. The future is bright, and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria that we can all be proud of. Thank you all, and May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Full text of President Tinubu’s second-year anniversary speech
Fellow Nigerians, as we mark the second anniversary of our administration, I salute your resilience and undaunted spirit. Two years ago, you entrusted me with the sacred responsibility to lead our nation at a time of historic challenges. Together, we have faced these headwinds with courage and determination.
The economic and general situation of the country I inherited required that we redirect the country’s affairs with a bold and new vision. I immediately implemented two necessary policies to stop our country from further drifting into the precipice. It was apparent that if the federal government and the other two tiers of government must remain viable and cater to the citizens’ welfare, we must do away with decades-long fuel subsidies and the corruption-ridden multiple foreign exchange windows. The two were no longer sustainable and have become a chokehold on our nation’s neck, strangling our nation’s future.
While our administration has implemented the reforms to restore and reinvigorate our national economy and strengthen our social fabric as a strong and united country, I must thank my fellow citizens for your unrelenting support and belief in the grand vision we share to uplift our nation and renew our collective hopes and aspirations.
We are halfway through the journey that began 24 months ago. Today, May 29, 2025, offers our administration the opportunity to share again how far we have gone and our progress in steering our country along the critical path of socio-economic development.
When we embarked on this journey, propelled by a burst of hope and abiding faith in Nigeria’s unity and progress, I made a pledge before God and fellow countrymen and women to confront Nigeria’s challenges head-on by rebuilding trust, fostering prosperity, and restoring our nation’s economic health. Today, I proudly affirm that our economic reforms are working. We are on course to building a greater, more economically stable nation.
Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration pledged to tackle economic instability, improve security nationwide, reduce corruption, reform governance, and lift our people out of poverty.
While implementing the reforms necessary to strengthen our economy and deliver shared prosperity, we have remained honest by acknowledging some of the difficulties experienced by our compatriots and families. We do not take your patience for granted. I must restate that the only alternative to the reforms our administration initiated was a fiscal crisis that would have bred runaway inflation, external debt default, crippling fuel shortages, a plunging Naira, and an economy in a free-fall.
Despite the bump in the cost of living, we have made undeniable progress.
Inflation has begun to ease, with rice prices and other staples declining. The oil and gas sector is recovering; rig counts are up by over 400% in 2025 compared to 2021, and over $8 billion in new investments have been committed. We have stabilised our economy and are now better positioned for growth and prepared to withstand global shocks.
In 2025, we remain on track with our fiscal targets. Gross proceeds per barrel from crude oil are broadly aligned with our forecasts as we intensify our efforts to ramp up production. Our fiscal deficit has narrowed sharply from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. We achieved this through improved revenue generation and greater transparency in government finances. In the first quarter of this year, we recorded over N6 trillion in revenue.
We have discontinued Ways & Means financing, which has been a major contributor to high and sticky inflation. The NNPC, no longer burdened by unsustainable fuel subsidies, is now a net contributor to the Federation Account. We are also achieving fuel supply security through local refining.
Our debt position is improving. While foreign exchange revaluation pushed our debt-to-GDP ratio to around 53%, our debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. We paid off our IMF obligations and grew our net external reserves by almost 500% from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024.
Thanks to our reforms, state revenue increased by over N6 trillion in 2024, ensuring that subnational governments can reduce their debt burden, meet salaries and pension obligations on a timely basis, and invest more in critical infrastructure and human capital development.
One of our administration’s most impactful achievements is our bold tax reform agenda, which is already yielding results. By the end of 2024, our tax-to-GDP ratio rose from 10% to over 13.5%, a remarkable leap in just one year. This was not by accident. It results from deliberate improvement in our tax administration and policies designed to make our tax system fairer, more efficient, and more growth-oriented.
We are eliminating the burden of multiple taxation, making it easier for small businesses to grow and join the formal economy. The tax reforms will protect low-income households and support workers by expanding their disposable income. Essential goods and services such as food, education, and healthcare will now attract 0% VAT. Rent, public transportation, and renewable energy will be fully exempted from VAT to reduce household costs further.
We are ending the era of wasteful and opaque tax waivers. Instead, we have introduced targeted and transparent incentives supporting high-impact manufacturing, technology, and agriculture sectors. These reforms are not just about revenue but about stimulating inclusive economic growth.
There is a deliberate focus on our youth, who a friendlier tax environment for digital jobs and remote work will empower. Through export incentives, Nigerian businesses will be able to compete globally. Our National Single Window project streamlines international trade, reduces delays, and enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness.
To promote fairness and accountability, we are establishing a Tax Ombudsman, an independent institution that will protect vulnerable taxpayers and ensure the system works for everyone, especially small businesses.
Most importantly, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable future by introducing a new national fiscal policy. This strategic framework will guide our approach to fair taxation, responsible borrowing, and disciplined spending.
These reforms are designed to reduce the cost of living, promote economic justice, and build a business-friendly economy that attracts investment and supports every Nigerian. Together, we are creating a system where prosperity is shared, and no one is left behind.
We have breathed new life into the Solid Minerals sector as part of our efforts to diversify the economy. Revenue has increased phenomenally, and investors are setting up processing plants as the sector dumps the old pit-to-port policy and embraces a new value-added policy.
We have also repositioned our health sector despite all odds.
Over 1,000 Primary Health Centres are being revitalised nationwide. An additional 5,500 PHCs are being upgraded under our Renewed Hope Health Agenda. We are establishing Six new cancer treatment centres. Three are ready. We offer free dialysis services in pilot tertiary hospitals and subsidise the service in others. Under the Presidential Maternal Health Initiative, over 4,000 women have undergone free cesarean sections. Lastly, we have expanded Health Insurance Coverage from 16 million to 20 million within two years.
As a result of our bold and deliberate policies, the economy is growing stronger again. Real GDP rose by 4.6% in Q4 2024, with full-year growth of 3.4%. This is one of the strongest in a decade.
Without a responsive and reliable national security infrastructure that can protect lives and properties, our economy will not perform optimally, and those who seek to harm us will impair and disrupt our way of life. Our administration is committed to the security and safety of our people. For our government, protecting our people and their peaceful way of life is the utmost priority.
Since I assumed our country’s leadership, our administration has improved collaboration among security agencies, increased intelligence-driven operations, and better ensured the welfare of our armed forces and security personnel. I use this opportunity to salute the courage and everyday sacrifice of our service men and women. We may not always witness the tremendous efforts they make to keep us safe, but we benefit every day from the results of their dedication. Even if we do not thank them often enough, they willingly face danger so we can go about our lives freely and without fear.
Our military, police, and intelligence agencies are committed to always responding to emerging security threats and new challenges because it is the patriotic duty they owe a grateful nation.
Amid the new security challenges, we can report some successes. In some areas of the northwest, hitherto under the control of bandits, our gallant armed forces have restored order, reducing and eliminating threats to lives and livelihoods. With the success achieved, farmers are back tilling the land to feed us. Highways, hitherto dangerous for travellers, have become safer. Our security agencies have succeeded many times in rescuing the abducted citizens from the hands of their tormentors. I promise you, we shall remain vigilant, as I told security chiefs during the last meeting to up their game and collaborate to end this plague of evil men. Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear.
Outside of Security, we have prioritised human capital development as a central pillar of our national development strategy.
To this end, we have significantly expanded access to quality education through infrastructure investments and the student loan scheme to support indigent students in tertiary institutions. Through the Renewed Hope Health initiative, our administration has begun equipping health facilities and deploying skilled personnel to unserved areas. We are also strengthening our response to public health threats and implementing targeted social investment schemes.
Our youth empowerment initiatives include access to funds, skill development, and creating employment opportunities. Through our MSME support, we empower the next generation and bridge inequality. In our mission to empower the next generation, we have taken bold steps to place young Nigerians at the heart of national development. Nowhere is this more evident than at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), where the current management is making giant strides. NASENI has embraced a digital-first approach, introduced real-time dashboards, and implemented end-to-end e-procurement through its Unified ERP System—setting a new governance benchmark for public institutions.
Through bold, high-impact programmes like Innovate Naija, Irrigate Nigeria, the Asset Restoration Programme, and the Renewable Energy and Innovation Park in Gora, NASENI drives inclusive industrialisation at scale. From assembling electric vehicles and reviving idle assets to launching Africa’s most advanced Rapid Diagnostic Kit Factory and training female drone engineers through the NASCAV programme, these initiatives are creating jobs, restoring dignity to work, and opening up a future of possibilities for our youth. This is the movement we promised—a government of action powered by the energy and innovation of young Nigerians.
Agriculture and food security are top priorities of our Renewed Hope Agenda. We have launched aggressive initiatives to boost local food production, support farmers, and stabilise food prices. We have also invested in mechanised farming by procuring thousands of tractors, other farming tools, and fertilisers.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the federal government has continued with major road construction and rehabilitation projects across all geopolitical zones, from the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, the 9th Mile-Oturkpo-Makurdi Road, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Oyo-OgbomosoRoad, Sokoto-Badagry Road, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Second Niger Bridge Access Road to Bodo-Bonny Road among hundreds of ongoing road projects across the country.
We have launched initiatives to improve electricity generation by upgrading generation and transmission infrastructure and investing in off-grid solar energy to power our homes, business premises, industries, schools and hospitals.
In the spirit of democracy and national renewal, we are preparing to welcome the world to Nigeria soon for the Motherland Festival. This landmark gathering will spotlight our rich heritage, dynamic creative industries, and the vibrant energy of our people. It will showcase Nigeria’s beauty through tourism, culture, and innovation, inviting the world to rediscover our nation.
The Nigerian diaspora plays a vital role in our national transformation. Their expertise, investment, and global perspective are key to shaping the future we seek. In recognition, the government has introduced policies like the diaspora bond and the non-resident Bank Verification Number to make it easier for Nigerians abroad to invest, engage, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress.
The Motherland Festival will bring together voices from across the continent and the diaspora in a decisive moment of unity and purpose, affirming that Nigeria is not only a leader in Africa but a committed global partner ready to engage, inspire, and lead.
Once again, I acknowledge the sacrifices many Nigerians have made and continue to make as we reposition our country, not just for today but for generations yet unborn. Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So is our resolve to tackle emerging challenges. By the Grace of God, we are confident that the worst is behind us. The real impact of our governance objectives is beginning to take hold. The future is bright, and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria that we can all be proud of.
Thank you all, and May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
=== PUNCH ===
