President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday assured Nigerians that the country’s tough economic reforms are beginning to yield results, declaring that “the worst is over.”

In a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Tinubu said his administration inherited a “near-collapsed economy” in 2023 but chose to take bold steps, including ending fuel subsidy and unifying exchange rates.

He noted that these reforms are now producing tangible results: GDP grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, inflation dropped to 20.12%—the lowest in three years—and external reserves rose to $42 billion.

The president highlighted 12 “economic milestones,” including record non-oil revenue, a rebound in oil production, and Nigeria becoming a net exporter with a ₦7.46 trillion trade surplus.

He added that social investment programmes have reached millions of households, while student loan and youth credit schemes are empowering young Nigerians.

On security, Tinubu praised the military for “winning the war against terrorism, banditry and violent crimes,” noting that peace has returned to many communities in the North.

While admitting that reforms have caused temporary hardships, the president called for patience and collective sacrifice, saying:

“Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. The accurate measure of our success will be the food on our tables, the quality of education, electricity in our homes, and security in our communities.”

Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation, and patronage of local goods, adding: “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Nigeria first.”