Tinubu Highlights Economic Gains, Infrastructure Progress at Third Anniversary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is gradually recovering from years of economic and structural challenges, declaring that his administration’s tough reforms have begun yielding visible progress across key sectors.

Speaking during his third anniversary address to the nation on Thursday, Tinubu acknowledged the hardship experienced by many Nigerians since the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms but insisted that the difficult decisions were necessary to prevent economic collapse.

The President said Nigeria faced severe fiscal pressures, rising debt servicing costs, insecurity, and economic distortions when he assumed office in 2023, stressing that the administration chose “reform over ruin” to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.

According to him, the economy is now more competitive, with improved public finances, increased investor confidence, and significant growth in the capital market. He noted that the Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index rose from 53,000 in 2023 to 250,000 in 2026, while market capitalisation increased from N30 trillion to N160 trillion.

Tinubu highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the country, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, and East-West Road, adding that over 2,700 kilometres of highways are under construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation.

The President also pointed to progress in the oil and gas sector, saying reforms had attracted billions of dollars in fresh investments and improved local refining capacity, reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.

ADVERTISEMENT

On power supply, Tinubu said the government is addressing longstanding challenges through investments in transmission infrastructure, renewable energy, and grid expansion to support industrial growth and economic development.

He further disclosed that over 1.5 million students have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, while the Renewed Hope Housing Programme is delivering more than 10,000 housing units nationwide.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security, revealing that security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and oil thieves across the country.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, saying the nation’s sacrifices would not be in vain.

“We have not solved every problem, but the foundation for recovery has been laid,” he said.

He added that Nigeria is entering a new phase of recovery, growth, and national renewal driven by resilience, reforms, and collective purpose.