Independence Day: Nigeria moving from economic stabilisation to growth — Yilwatda

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nentawe Yilwatda has said Nigeria is moving towards becoming a stronger and more prosperous nation despite the economic challenges facing citizens.

Yilwatda stated this in an Independence Day message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence anniversary.

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu inherited a difficult economic situation and had introduced reforms aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges.

Yilwatda cited the removal of the petrol subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, efforts to improve domestic revenue mobilisation, and monetary and fiscal measures as some of the steps taken by the administration.

He acknowledged that the reforms had created significant short-term difficulties for Nigerians but said there were signs of macroeconomic stabilisation.

According to him, World Bank figures showed that Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, while gross foreign reserves stood at $51.9 billion at the end of July.

He also pointed to developments in the energy sector, digital economy, investment and social protection as indications of a movement from economic stabilisation towards structural transformation.

Yilwatda said the focus should now be on translating economic gains into improved household incomes, employment, food security and greater opportunities for Nigerians.

“We acknowledge the progress that has been recorded and, more importantly, recognise that the work is not finished.

“Economic stabilisation will now translate more rapidly into improved household incomes, employment, food security and greater opportunities for our people,” he said.