Tinubu urges Nigerians to prioritise productivity and unity, calling for local manufacturing, tax compliance, and support for ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goodsTinubu urges Nigerians to prioritise productivity as he calls for collective action to place the country on equal footing with developed nations.

Also read: Tinubu Boosts Nigeria’s Economy with Strong Fiscal Reforms

In his Independence Day address on Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Nigeria’s path to true prosperity lies in production, innovation, and a renewed national work ethic.

Speaking in commemoration of the nation’s 65th anniversary, the President challenged citizens and sub-national governments to embrace industry, self-reliance, and unity.

“Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise,” Tinubu declared.

He pointed to recent reforms in passport processing by the Ministry of Interior as an example of efficient service delivery and urged states to emulate such efforts.

“Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say: Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,” he said.

Acknowledging the pain caused by recent economic reforms — particularly the removal of fuel subsidies — the President reiterated that the sacrifices were necessary to avert financial collapse and stabilise the economy.

“I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option,” he said.

Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic trajectory, stating that progress would be measured not only through data but in tangible improvements in daily life.

“The true measure of our success will be the food on our families’ tables, the quality of our children’s education, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,” he stated.

He assured Nigerians that saved resources from subsidy removal and other reforms would be channelled into education, infrastructure, and security, stressing the need for a united front in building a stronger nation.

“My message is hope and a call to action. Let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”

While Nigeria’s Independence Day, marked every October 1st, is typically celebrated with military parades and cultural events, this year saw a more subdued tone, as the federal government cancelled the traditional parade for security and logistical reasons.

Also read: Tinubu Boosts Nigeria’s Economy with Strong Fiscal Reforms

Despite the scaled-down celebrations, Tinubu’s address underscored a forward-looking vision — one built on productivity, unity, and national resolve.