Nigeria at 66: Tinubu declares emergency reforms over, says era of prosperity begins

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Bola Tinubu has declared an end to Nigeria’s emergency economic reforms, saying the country has reached a turning point at 66.

In his Independence Day broadcast on Thursday, Tinubu said the foundation of the economy has been repaired and the focus must now shift to shared prosperity.

The president said previous administrations treated Nigeria’s economic cancer with morphine.

“For too long, Nigeria’s leaders chose morphine while praying for a miracle that never came,” he said.

“Our reforms did not create the weaknesses in our economy. They confronted them.”

Rejects return to subsidy

Tinubu warned against calls for a return to subsidy, describing them as regressive voices.

“We must resist their siren song. We must remember why we began this journey and how far we have already come,” he said.

Tinubu listed the gains

Tinubu listed the gains of the economic reforms to include;
– Economy grew by over 4% in 2026
– Inflation down substantially from peak
– Foreign reserves rebuilt, forex market stabilised
– Oil theft down
– Non-oil exports hit record $6bn in 2025
– Foreign direct investment rising

He said international observers and the private sector have affirmed that reforms have strengthened stability.

Age of prosperity

According to Tinubu, the central task has changed.

“The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired. For three years, our overriding purpose was to correct our nation’s course. Now, our purpose is simple: shared and widespread prosperity,” he said.

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

He said Nigeria has passed through its own Red Sea and must not look back.