Nigeria will on October 1 mark its 65th Independence Anniversary with a call on citizens and partners to rally behind ongoing national reforms.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call at a press conference in Abuja to commemorate the anniversary.
He said the theme for this year’s celebration is “All Hands on Deck”, reflecting the need for unity and collective effort to drive national growth.
The Minister highlighted key reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting progress in trade, declining inflation, improved currency strength, and food price stability.
From January 2026, he explained, new tax laws will expand revenue generation while easing the burden on Nigerians.
The funds, he said, are already being invested in health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and security.
According to him, over 500,000 students are benefitting from the National Education Loan Fund, while new regional development commissions are boosting grassroots growth.
On infrastructure, Idris announced the construction of major highways linking all geopolitical zones, complemented by new rail projects.
He also cited progress in the power sector, with the revival of the Kaduna Power Plant, Siemens Project, and a World Bank-backed renewable energy initiative targeting 17.5 million Nigerians.
Oil production, gas projects, and new investments in solid minerals are also recording positive growth, with royalties from mining doubling between 2023 and 2024.
In health, more than 1,000 primary healthcare centres have been rehabilitated, while world-class cancer centres have been established in Benin, Katsina, and Enugu, with three more nearing completion.
The Minister stressed that equitable distribution of capital projects shows no region is left behind, while state governments now enjoy higher revenues due to subsidy removal.
He further disclosed federal support for major subnational projects, including light rail systems in Kano and Kaduna.
Agriculture is also receiving a boost with the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development.
Idris reminded Nigerians of the nation’s historic role in African liberation struggles, ECOWAS integration, and global peacekeeping, urging citizens to preserve this legacy of leadership.
He described Nigeria’s 65 years as a journey of resilience and unity, and assured that the sacrifices of citizens will soon yield the fruits of reform.
The Minister called for hope, patriotism, and commitment, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda is already impacting lives and will continue to do so.
He wished Nigerians a happy 65th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace and progress for the country.
Bello Wakili
