Independence Day: Nigeria has passed through our own Red Sea — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has passed through its own “Red Sea” after years of difficult economic reforms, urging Nigerians to look ahead rather than return to past policies.

Tinubu made the declaration in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, as the country marked its 66th anniversary.

The President said his administration had made difficult decisions to correct what he described as deep-rooted economic weaknesses, arguing that the country was entering a new phase focused on prosperity.

“Nigeria has corrected its course. We have passed through our own Red Sea. This is not the time to look back,” Tinubu said.

He said the government’s immediate priority had shifted from economic stabilisation to improving the living conditions of Nigerians through lower production costs, job creation and increased economic opportunities.

“The age of reform has done its work. Now begins the age of prosperity,” he said.

Tinubu said the next phase would focus on making food and transportation more affordable while supporting farmers, manufacturers and businesses.

According to him, the government will expand mechanised farming, irrigation, storage and transportation infrastructure while continuing to develop roads, railways and ports connecting producers to markets.

He argued that reducing production and transportation costs would eventually translate into lower prices for consumers.

The President also said Nigeria must create productive opportunities for its growing young population by supporting industries, expanding digital connectivity and improving access to skills and finance.

“I want to see more Nigerians making things. I want to see more Nigerian farms feeding our cities and supplying our factories. I want to see Nigerian businesses selling Nigerian goods to the whole world,” he said.

Tinubu acknowledged that millions of Nigerians were still struggling with basic needs, including food, school fees, medical expenses and transportation.

He said the hardship predated his administration and reflected decades of low productivity, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient economic opportunities.

“We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course,” he said.

The President said his administration would continue strengthening social support programmes, education financing, consumer credit, healthcare and basic education to assist vulnerable Nigerians.

He maintained that these measures were intended to help citizens move towards greater economic independence rather than serve as a permanent substitute for prosperity.

“Our objective is not to manage poverty more efficiently. We will defeat it,” Tinubu said.

He also warned against calls to reverse the reforms, particularly the removal of subsidies, saying Nigeria must not return to what he described as “addictive subsidies.”

Tinubu said the government had already seen improvements in economic indicators, citing growth of more than four per cent this year, lower inflation, rebuilt foreign reserves and greater stability in the foreign exchange market.

He also pointed to more than $6 billion in non-oil export earnings recorded in 2025 as evidence of increased economic activity.

The President concluded by urging Nigerians to remain focused on the future, describing the country ahead as a “Promised Land” of abundance and opportunity.

“Our destination is in sight. Our foundations are strong. Our direction is clear. So let us go forward. No looking back,” he said.