Nigeria @65: FG Highlights Reforms, Calls for Unity, Citizens’ Support
The Federal Government today said Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary is not only a time for celebration but also a call for reflection, unity, and collective action to sustain ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
At a joint press briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, outlined the achievements of the current administration and urged Nigerians to rally behind the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Idris, in his address, described 65 years of independence as a milestone tied to resilience and renewal. He likened the anniversary to the sapphire gemstone, which symbolizes loyalty, trust, truth, and wisdom, qualities he said reflected the Nigerian spirit.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dismantling stubborn cogs in the wheel of progress through bold reforms. Our trade surplus continues to grow, inflation is easing, food prices are coming down, and external reserves are rising. These are eloquent testimonies that we are on the right track,” he said.
He added that from January 2026, the implementation of four new tax laws would broaden Nigeria’s revenue base while reducing burdens on citizens and businesses. Idris also highlighted ongoing investments in health, education, agriculture, power, and infrastructure, stressing that more than 500,000 students are already benefitting from the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
On infrastructure, the minister listed flagship projects such as the 1,068km Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the 750km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and ongoing standard gauge rail works, alongside renewed investments in power and renewable energy projects that will reach more than 17 million Nigerians.
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Senator Akume, on his part, emphasized that independence celebrations must go beyond rituals of parades and speeches to a collective recommitment to nation-building.
“Our journey since 1960 has been marked by triumphs and trials, but the Nigerian spirit remains unbroken. The theme of this anniversary, ‘All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation’, is a reminder that building Nigeria is not the job of government alone. Citizens at home and abroad must play their part,” he said.
The SGF noted that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been at the centre of coordinating the administration’s priorities and reforms, ensuring policy synergy and effective delivery of programmes.
Both officials listed key achievements of the Tinubu administration, including new investments in oil and gas exploration, reduced losses in the petroleum sector, multi-million-dollar inflows into solid minerals like lithium processing, and the rehabilitation of over 1,000 primary healthcare centres nationwide.
They also cited Nigeria’s continued leadership role in Africa, from peacekeeping contributions under the United Nations and African Union to interventions through ECOWAS and humanitarian aid.
Akume further updated Nigerians on activities lined up for the Independence Day celebration, including the Presidential Broadcast on October 1, the grand finale of the National Campus Debate, and cultural displays across the country.
While acknowledging the difficulties citizens have faced since the removal of fuel subsidy and other tough reforms, Idris and Akume appealed for patience and cooperation, assuring that the sacrifices would soon yield tangible results.
“At 65, Nigeria is still a work in progress. With renewed hope, shared responsibility, and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead,” Akume said.
The Federal Government pledged to continue pursuing inclusive growth, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring no Nigerian is left behind as the nation moves into its next phase of development.
By PRNigeria
