Nigeria At 65: FG Says Tinubu’s Reforms Breaking Barriers, Building Prosperity -

The Federal Government has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has dismantled long-standing obstacles to Nigeria’s development, laying new foundations for progress as the nation marks 65 years of independence.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to commemorate the Independence anniversary, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the theme of this year’s celebration—“All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation”—reflects both the challenges and opportunities facing the country.

Akume described Independence Day as more than a ceremonial milestone, calling it a moment for reflection on Nigeria’s resilience and shared responsibility. “Our true strength lies in our capacity to rise after every storm and rebuild after every setback. Government is playing its part; citizens too must play theirs,” he said.

Building on this, Idris in his independence marshalled Tinubu’s key achievements since assuming office, insisting that bold reforms are already bearing fruit. He highlighted:

Education: Over 500,000 students of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education now benefit from the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the first of its kind in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Nigeria at 65: Akume Rallies Citizens, Says Youth and Ordinary Nigerians Hold Key to Renewed Hope

Infrastructure: Landmark projects are underway, including the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line.

Energy: The revival of the Kaduna Power Plant, the Siemens-backed Presidential Power Initiative, and a $750m renewable energy programme expected to deliver clean electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians.

Economy: Growing trade surplus driven by non-oil exports, easing inflation, a strengthening naira, and rising external reserves.

Healthcare: Over 1,000 primary health centres rehabilitated nationwide, with three world-class oncology centres commissioned in Benin, Katsina and Enugu.

Solid minerals: New multibillion-dollar investments, including a $600m lithium processing plant in Nasarawa, doubling government royalties in just two years.

Idris stressed at the Independence Press Conference that contrary to perceptions of uneven development, projects are spread equitably across the regions, with states now enjoying greater revenues and autonomy following the removal of fuel subsidy.

Both officials tied the Independence anniversary message to Nigeria’s historic role in Africa, recalling its leadership in liberation struggles, peacekeeping missions, and democracy promotion.

“As we celebrate 65 years of independence, we must rally behind the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is not just a slogan but a reality already touching lives,” Idris said.

“The sacrifices of the past two years are beginning to yield results, and with unity, perseverance, and all hands on deck, Nigeria’s best days lie ahead.”