The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on Thursday said Nigeria is on track to become a stronger and more prosperous nation, as he congratulated Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the country’s 66th Independence anniversary.
Describing the occasion as a moment to celebrate the resilience, unity and enduring faith of Nigerians, Yilwatda commended citizens for their sacrifices, patience and determination in navigating the difficult challenges facing the nation.
He said Nigeria’s journey since independence has not been without difficulties, but the country has consistently shown an extraordinary capacity to overcome adversity, reinvent itself and move forward.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a difficult economic situation and took the politically difficult decision to undertake fundamental reforms to correct longstanding structural distortions and place the economy on a more sustainable footing.
The reforms, he said, include the removal of the petrol subsidy, changes to the foreign exchange market, efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, monetary and fiscal reforms, and measures to attract investment and strengthen productive sectors.
Yilwatda acknowledged that the reforms involved significant short-term sacrifices for Nigerians, but said there are increasingly measurable signs of macroeconomic stabilisation.
He cited the World Bank as having reported stronger economic growth, improved fiscal and external positions, rising foreign exchange reserves and a more stable foreign exchange market as important outcomes of the reform programme.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, while gross foreign reserves reached $51.9 billion at the end of July 2026.
The APC chairman also pointed to developments in the energy sector, investment, the digital economy and social protection as evidence that the programme is moving beyond stabilisation towards structural transformation.
He said the objective must ultimately be an economy that creates jobs, expands opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthens businesses, improves infrastructure and delivers a better quality of life for families.
“We acknowledge the progress that has been recorded and, more importantly, recognise that the work is not finished,” Yilwatda said. “Economic stabilisation will now translate more rapidly into improved household incomes, employment, food security and greater opportunities for our people.”
He said the APC recognises that democracy is ultimately about improving citizens’ lives and that political leadership must remain accountable to the people.
He assured Nigerians that the party would continue to support policies that promote economic growth, national security, social inclusion, investment and institutional development.
Yilwatda urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to reflect soberly on the country’s journey, the challenges that remain and the opportunities ahead. As the country approaches the 2027 general elections, he asked citizens to examine the records, policies, programmes and future plans of all political parties and candidates, and to take an active part in the democratic process.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria has the human resources, natural endowments and entrepreneurial energy to emerge as a stronger and more prosperous nation, and said the APC would work with the Federal Government, state governments, elected representatives and Nigerians across the country to consolidate the gains of reform.
Calling on Nigerians to remain hopeful and patriotic, he said the challenges of today should not obscure the enormous possibilities of tomorrow.
“On this 66th Independence Anniversary, let us celebrate Nigeria, believe in Nigeria and continue to work together for the Nigeria we all desire,” he said. “Our best days are still ahead of us. The task before us is to ensure that the reforms and sacrifices of today translate into lasting prosperity and opportunity for generations yet unborn.”
Yilwatda wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for continued peace, stability, prosperity and unity across the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
