Tinubu at 65th Independence Anniversary: “Let’s Farm Our Land, Build Our Factories, Put Nigeria First”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation, and patriotism as the nation marks its 65th Independence anniversary.

Delivering a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, the president called for a shift from dependency to self-reliance, insisting that Nigeria must become “a nation of producers, not just consumers.”

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

Reforms and Temporary Pains

Tinubu acknowledged the hardship caused by his administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, but argued that the measures were necessary to avert “economic chaos or bankruptcy.”

According to him, the sacrifices made by citizens are laying the foundation for long-term stability and growth. He pointed to government efforts in digital services, citing the faster processing of travel passports by the Ministry of Interior as an example of reforms working in practice.

Call for Collective Action

The president stressed that national transformation cannot be driven by government alone, urging state governments, businesses, and citizens to play their part in building a stronger economy.

“All hands must be on deck to reposition Nigeria among its peers globally,” he said, rallying Nigerians to embrace innovation, pay their taxes, and support local industries.

His remarks capped a broadcast that mixed reflection with a call to action, signalling his administration’s determination to push through difficult reforms while keeping faith in Nigeria’s capacity to thrive.