The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said Nigeria is on the path to becoming a stronger and more prosperous nation, urging citizens to remain hopeful as the country marks its 66th Independence anniversary.
Yilwatda, while congratulating Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, said the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, unity and enduring faith of Nigerians in the country’s potential.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians have faced but said the country had repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to overcome adversity, reinvent itself and move forward.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a difficult economic situation and had taken politically difficult decisions to address longstanding structural problems in the economy.
According to him, the reforms include the removal of the petrol subsidy, reforms in 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 had imposed significant short-term sacrifices on Nigerians but said there were increasingly measurable signs of macroeconomic stabilisation.
He cited World Bank figures indicating that Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, while gross foreign reserves rose to $51.9 billion at the end of July.
The APC chairman also pointed to developments in the energy sector, investment, digital economy and social protection as evidence that the reform programme was moving beyond economic stabilisation towards structural transformation.
He said the ultimate objective should be an economy capable of creating jobs, expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthening businesses, improving infrastructure and delivering 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. Economic stabilisation will now translate more rapidly into improved household incomes, employment, food security and greater opportunities for our people,” he said.
Yilwatda said the APC recognised that democracy was ultimately about improving the lives of citizens and that political leadership must remain accountable to the people.
He pledged that the party would continue to support policies aimed at promoting economic growth, national security, social inclusion, investment and institutional development.
As the country looks ahead to the 2027 general elections, the APC chairman urged Nigerians to examine the records, policies, programmes and future plans of all political parties and candidates and to participate actively in the democratic process.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria possessed the human resources, natural endowments and entrepreneurial energy needed to emerge as a stronger and more prosperous nation.
According to him, the APC would continue to work with the Federal Government, state governments, elected representatives and Nigerians across the country to consolidate the gains of the reforms and build a more productive, secure and united Nigeria.
Yilwatda urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and patriotic, saying the challenges confronting the country should not obscure its enormous possibilities.
“On this 66th Independence Anniversary, let us celebrate Nigeria, believe in Nigeria and continue to work together for the Nigeria we all desire. Our best days are still ahead of us,” he said.
“The task before us is to ensure that the reforms and sacrifices of today translate into lasting prosperity and opportunity for generations yet unborn.”
He wished Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary and prayed for continued peace, stability, prosperity and unity across the country.
