President Bola Tinubu
By DAVID IORJA, Maiduguri –
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered an uplifting address to mark the second anniversary of his administration, celebrating Nigeria’s progress under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his nationwide broadcast on Thursday, President Tinubu highlighted transformative economic reforms, enhanced security, and advancements in health, education, and youth empowerment, while acknowledging the resilience of Nigerians amid challenges.
“Fellow Nigerians, as we mark the second anniversary of our administration, I salute your resilience and undaunted spirit,” Tinubu said, reflecting on the mandate given to him two years ago to lead Nigeria through historic challenges. “Together, we have faced these headwinds with courage and determination.”
The President underscored the necessity of bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange windows, which he described as critical to averting a fiscal crisis.
“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 explained.
Tinubu highlighted significant economic achievements, noting that inflation is easing, with declining prices for staples like rice.
“The oil and gas sector is rebounding, with a 400% increase in rig counts in 2025 compared to 2021 and over $8 billion in new investments.
“We have stabilized our economy and are now better positioned for growth and prepared to withstand global shocks,” he affirmed.
“Fiscal discipline has been a cornerstone of the administration’s success. The fiscal deficit dropped from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, with first-quarter 2025 revenues surpassing N6 trillion. The discontinuation of Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies has enabled the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to contribute to the Federation Account, ensuring fuel supply security through local refining. External reserves grew from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024.
He said the administration’s tax reforms have increased the tax-to-GDP ratio from 10% to 13.5% in 2024, with measures to ease the burden on low-income households. “Essential goods and services such as food, education, and healthcare will now attract 0% VAT,” Tinubu announced, adding that a Tax Ombudsman will ensure fairness for small businesses.
According to him, in the health sector, over 1,000 Primary Health Centres have been revitalized, with 5,500 more being upgraded. The Presidential Maternal Health Initiative has provided free cesarean sections to over 4,000 women, and health insurance coverage has expanded to 20 million Nigerians.
“We are repositioning our health sector despite all odds,” Tinubu stated.
He said security has also seen progress, with the armed forces restoring order in parts of the northwest, enabling farmers to return to their lands and improving highway safety.
“Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” the President vowed, saluting the sacrifices of security personnel. He said.
Youth empowerment is a priority, with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) driving innovation through programs like Innovate Naija and the NASCAV initiative, training female drone engineers. “This is the movement we promised—a government of action powered by the energy and innovation of young Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
Agricultural initiatives, including mechanized farming, and infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are boosting food security and connectivity. The upcoming Motherland Festival will showcase Nigeria’s cultural and innovative strengths, while diaspora policies like the diaspora bond aim to harness global Nigerian talent.
“We are halfway through the journey that began 24 months ago”.
“The future is bright, and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria that we can all be proud of.” He said .
