News

Full text of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Independence Day broadcast

Published

4 years ago

October 1, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari

Fellow Nigerians,

I address you today, with a deep sense of gratitude to God and a high level of appreciation to all Nigerians whose tremendous goodwill gave me the opportunity to provide leadership for our great country at one of the trying times in her history.

Conscious that today’s address would be my last on an Independence Day as your President; I speak to the millions of Nigerians, who believed in me, propelled and stood by me in my quest to bequeath a country where all citizens have equal opportunities to achieve their lives desires in a peaceful atmosphere.
I am honoured to say that my story in the annals of Nigeria’s history is no household secret. My various attempts, failures and eventual success in being elected as a Democratic President in 2015 was made possible by the majority of Nigerians.
When you elected me, I readily acknowledged that the tasks before me were daunting but surmountable because of the growing national consensus that our chosen route to national development was democracy.
This democracy was to be anchored on a clear understanding, application and the principles of separation of powers supported by a reformed public service that is more effective.
I then pledged to Improve the Economy, Tackle Corruption and Fight Insecurity and this was further strengthened by my commitment to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years as the central plank of my second term in 2019.
To the Glory of God and His Grace as well as the commitment and passion displayed by many Nigerian supporters, we have made appreciable progress in these areas but not yet at our destination.
Mindful of the task before us, we took some time in settling down and we re-positioned the Economy by providing strategic interventions in core areas at both the Federal and Sub-National levels.
One of the areas where we have made significant progress is in the eradication of deeply entrenched corruption that permeates all facets of our national development.
We strengthened the Institutions for tackling corruption and also cultivated international support, which aided the repatriation of huge sums of money illegally kept outside the country.
The increasing number of prosecutions and convictions, with associated refunds of large sums of money is still ongoing. Furthermore, we would continue to block opportunities that encourage corrupt practices.
In order to address Insecurity, we worked methodically in reducing Insurgency in the North East, Militancy in the Niger Delta, Ethnic and Religious Tensions in some sections of Nigeria along with other problems threatening our country.
Our efforts in re-setting the economy manifested in Nigeria exiting two economic recessions by the very practical and realistic monetary and fiscal measures to ensure effective public financial management. In addition, the effective implementation of the Treasury Single Account and cutting down on the cost of governance also facilitated early exits from recessions.
Fellow Nigerians, this administration removed several decades uncertainty for potential Investors in the Oil & Gas sector with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. This landmark legislation created opportunities for foreign investments in addition to improving transparency in the management of the sector.
Our administration has given the desired priority to the Agricultural Sector through a series of incentives to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises that resulted in creating millions of jobs. Leading this initiative, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention in a number of areas as well as the Anchor Borrowers Programme had created the required leverages for Nigerians towards self-sufficiency in food and the necessary attraction for farming as a business.
The growing contribution of non-oil exports, especially in agriculture, information and communication technology as well as the performing arts to our national economy will enhance our foreign exchange earning capacity.
We are confronting current economic challenges such as debt burden, growing inflation, living standards and increasing unemployment accentuated by our growing youthful population. These problems are globally induced and we would continue to ensure that their negative effects are addressed in our policies.
This administration will continue to ensure that our fiscal policies are supported by a robust and contemporary monetary policy that recognises our peculiarities in the midst of the growing global economic difficulties.
This is evidenced by the recent Monetary Policy Committee decision to maintain all parameters, especially interest rates and marginally increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 14% to 15.5% and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 27.5% to 32.5%. It is projected that this would further insulate our economy from over exposure to uncertainties at the international market by restraining growth in core inflation.
As we continue to de-escalate the security challenges that confronted us at inception of this administration, newer forms alien to our country began to manifest especially in the areas of kidnappings, molestations/killings of innocent citizens, banditry, all of which are being addressed by our security forces.
I share the pains Nigerians are going through and I assure you that your resilience and patience would not be in vain as this administration continues to reposition as well as strengthen the security agencies to enable them to deal with all forms of security challenges.
At the inception of this administration in 2015, I provided the funding requirements of the security agencies which was also improved in my second tenure in 2019 to enable them to surmount security challenges. We will continue on this path until our efforts yield the desired results.
As we put in place all measures to ensure that Nigeria takes her place in the Comity of Nations, we recognize the importance of a well-educated populace as a panacea to most of the challenges we face.
We have, therefore, pursued policies and implemented programmes designed to create a literate and proficient society that ensures that citizens are availed with opportunities for life-long achievements.
I must confess that I am very pained by the recurring disruption to our tertiary education system and I am using this Independence Day celebration to re-iterate my call for the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to return to the classroom while assuring them to deal with their contending issues within the limits of the scarce resources available. This administration has made appreciable progress in redressing these issues that have been lingering for over eleven years.
The Federal Government will continue to mobilize resources both internationally and nationally towards funding education to ensure that our citizens are well educated and skilled in various vocations in view of the fact that education is a leading determinant of economic growth and employment generation.
Fellow Nigerians, we have also improved our health facilities, especially during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which attracted commendation of the global community.
As you are aware, Nigeria was one of the countries that defied global predictions of the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic because of our resilience, commitment and passion with which we individually and collectively managed the pandemic.
This administration embarked on addressing critical ecological challenges across the country in order to mitigate the impact of Climate Change manifesting in the form of flood, soil erosion, desertification, air pollution amongst others
We will continue to ensure that our infrastructure drive remains the key to Nigeria’s economic growth and for which every Nigerian will feel the impact.
The Federal Government is already expanding ports operations to ensure that they provide opportunities for the growth of the Nigerian economy.
We have also continued to accelerate our infrastructure development through serviceable and transparent borrowing, improved capital inflow & increased revenue generation by expanding the tax bases and prudent management of investment proceeds in the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
To further open up our communities to economic activities, we have continued to boost our railway infrastructure with the completion of a good number of critical railways and at the same time rehabilitating as well as upgrading obsolete equipment.
I am pleased to inform my fellow citizens that besides our emphasis on infrastructural development with its attendant opportunities for job creation, employment generation and subsequent poverty reduction, our focussed intervention directly to Nigerians through the National Social Investment Programme is also yielding benefits.
There is hardly any ward, village or local government in Nigeria today that has not benefited from one of the following: N-Power, trader-moni, market moni, subsidized loans, business grants or Conditional Cash Transfers.
All the aforementioned programmes along with various interventions by the National Social Investment programme, direct support to victims of flooding and other forms of disasters have provided succor to the affected Nigerians.
Fellow Nigerians, no matter what gains we make, without a good governance system anchored on electing credible leaders on the basis of free, fair, credible and transparent elections, our efforts would not be enough.
It is for this reason that I have resolved to bequeath a sustainable democratic culture which will remain lasting. The signing of the Electoral Act 2021 as amended with landmark provisions further assures us of a more transparent and inclusive Electoral Process.
Having witnessed at close quarters, the pains, anguish and disappointment of being a victim of an unfair electoral process, the pursuit of an electoral system and processes that guarantee election of leaders by citizens remains the guiding light as I prepare to wind down our administration.
You would all agree that the recent elections in the past two years in some states (notably Anambra, Ekiti and Osun) and a few federal constituencies have shown a high degree of credibility, transparency and freedom of choice with the people’s votes actually counting. This I promise would be improved upon as we move towards the 2023 General Elections.
As we begin the transition process to another democratically elected government, I want to implore all aspirants to conduct issues-based campaigns devoid of hate speeches as well as other negative and divisive tendencies.
I also want to express my wish that we see more female and youth participation in the forth-coming electoral cycle. I am sure that our teeming and energetic youths now realise that violence generally mar elections and so should desist from being used by politicians for this purpose.
Reforms in the public sector are already yielding results especially in the delivery of services. On this note, I urge the general public to demand for citizen-centred services from the relevant authorities.
On the international front, we have continued to take advantage of our bilateral and multilateral platforms to explore cooperation with friendly countries and partners whenever these areas of cooperation are to the advantage of Nigeria.
Fellow Nigerians, in the past few years we have witnessed and overcome a good number of challenges that would ordinarily have destroyed our Nation. However, the indefatigable spirit of the Nigerian people has ensured that we overcome our challenges.
It is in this spirit that I call on all of us to individually and collectively bring to the fore in dealing with all our development issues.
I was called to serve, along with my team, I saw an opportunity to create a better Nigeria which we have done with the support of Nigerians. Almighty God and the good people of Nigeria supported us in laying a solid foundation for the Nigeria of our dreams.
I thank you all and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

. Being text of President Muhammadu Buhari’s address on the occasion of the 62nd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.

Related Topics:broadcast Independence Day President Muhammadu Buhari

Up Next

PFN to Nigerians: vote competence, not religion

Don't Miss

Buhari to ASUU: Return to class, we’ll meet your needs within available resources

News

FG Approves Upward Review of Feeding Allowance for NYSC Members

Published

10 hours ago

October 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Kogi Abduction: Full Passenger Manifest Emerges as Police Rescue 11 NYSC Members

FG Approves Upward Review of Feeding Allowance for NYSC Members

Abuja — The Federal Government has approved an increase in the feeding allowance for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) during their orientation course, with implementation scheduled to commence in 2027.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while addressing the 2026 Batch C Stream One corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Obubra, Cross River State.

According to the DG, the Budget Office has already been formally notified of the upward review of the allowance. However, the specific monetary value of the increment was not disclosed during the announcement.

READ ALSO:

The approval comes amid persistent calls for improved welfare for corps members, particularly regarding the feeding and general upkeep provided during the mandatory three-week orientation exercise.

Beyond the financial announcement, Brigadier General Nafiu used the platform to counsel the corps members on financial responsibility. He advised them to spend wisely and cultivate a strong savings habit, stressing the importance of prudent resource management during their service year and beyond.

The DG’s visit to the Obubra camp was part of a broader tour to assess the welfare and conditions of corps members currently undergoing orientation across the country.

While the 2027 implementation timeline suggests a waiting period for the current batch, the approval signals the government’s intent to adjust the allowances in line with current economic realities. Further details regarding the exact amount and the modalities for the disbursement are expected to be communicated by the NYSC Directorate in due course.

FG Approves Upward Review of Feeding Allowance for NYSC Members

News

Fuel Subsidy May Ease Hardship Today, But Could Cripple Nigeria’s Economy Tomorrow — FG

Published

17 hours ago

October 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele

Fuel Subsidy May Ease Hardship Today, But Could Cripple Nigeria’s Economy Tomorrow — FG

The Federal Government has warned that restoring petrol subsidy could provide temporary relief to Nigerians but expose the country to severe fiscal pressure in the long run, as rising fuel prices continue to deepen the cost-of-living crisis.

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele has estimated that a return to petrol subsidy could cost Nigeria more than ₦20 trillion annually, arguing that the financial burden could undermine government spending on infrastructure, healthcare, education and other essential services.

The warning comes amid growing public concern over the impact of rising petrol prices, transportation fares, food costs and business operating expenses on households and enterprises across the country.

For millions of Nigerians, cheaper petrol could offer immediate relief by reducing transportation and distribution costs. However, the government maintains that a blanket subsidy would place enormous pressure on public finances and could weaken the gains expected from the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023.

Oyedele said the scale of Nigeria’s petrol consumption makes a return to the policy particularly expensive. He has argued that subsidising petrol would divert substantial public resources from other priorities and potentially increase borrowing requirements.

READ ALSO:

The government’s position is that the resources saved through fuel subsidy removal can be redirected towards infrastructure, social services and development programmes. However, the immediate benefits of those savings remain a major concern for citizens facing higher daily expenses.

The debate has intensified as the government explores alternative measures to cushion the effects of rising fuel prices without restoring a nationwide subsidy.

One of the proposed interventions is a temporary petrol discount at NNPC retail outlets, intended to provide short-term relief to motorists and other consumers. The government has maintained that the arrangement is different from a blanket subsidy because it involves a reduction in the company’s retail profit margin rather than direct government payments.

Other measures announced or proposed by the government include support for vulnerable households, wider adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG), and interventions aimed at moderating fuel costs and easing pressure on businesses.

However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on how widely the benefits reach consumers and whether any reduction in petrol prices translates into lower transport fares and the cost of goods and services.

Critics of the current approach argue that the hardship facing households requires more immediate and measurable relief. They contend that increased government revenue from subsidy removal must translate into visible improvements in living standards, public services and economic opportunities.

The policy debate therefore centres on how to balance immediate relief with long-term economic stability. While subsidised petrol could reduce the price paid at filling stations, the ultimate cost to the country would depend on the subsidy rate, consumption levels, funding arrangements and wider economic effects.

For Nigeria, the challenge is to protect households and businesses from the effects of rising energy costs without placing an unsustainable burden on public finances.

Targeted assistance, better public transportation, investment in domestic energy supply and transparent deployment of public revenue could help cushion the impact of high fuel prices while limiting the risks associated with a universal subsidy.

Ultimately, the question is not simply whether cheaper petrol would ease hardship today, but whether the country can provide meaningful relief without creating financial pressures that could worsen economic conditions tomorrow.

Fuel Subsidy May Ease Hardship Today, But Could Cripple Nigeria’s Economy Tomorrow — FG

News

OASIS Foundation Webinar: Physician Urges Healthy Living to Prevent Chronic Diseases

Published

1 day ago

October 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Consultant Family Physician, Dr Ibraheem AbdulRauf

OASIS Foundation Webinar: Physician Urges Healthy Living to Prevent Chronic Diseases

A Consultant Family Physician, Dr Ibraheem AbdulRauf, has urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and routine medical screening, as part of efforts to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

AbdulRauf, who works at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, said lifestyle changes remained important in reducing the risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases.

He made the recommendations while delivering a lecture titled “Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)” at the fourth quarterly webinar health series organised by the OASIS Muslim Care Foundation (OMCF) on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

The physician explained that non-communicable diseases were generally chronic conditions that were not transmitted from one person to another but were influenced by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors.

According to him, the growing burden of these diseases has become a major public health concern because of their contributions to premature deaths, disabilities, reduced quality of life and rising healthcare costs.

He noted that NCDs could place considerable financial pressure on individuals and families because they often require long-term medication, regular medical appointments, laboratory investigations and hospital care.

The specialist also observed that chronic illnesses could reduce productivity, affect employment and increase dependence on family members, making prevention an important public health priority.

Unhealthy lifestyles increase disease risks

AbdulRauf identified unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption as major modifiable risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases.

He explained that these behavioural factors could contribute to metabolic conditions, including hypertension, overweight and obesity, elevated blood glucose and abnormal blood lipid levels, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

READ ALSO:

While acknowledging that some risk factors, such as age, sex, genetic constitution and family history, could not be modified, he stressed that individuals could reduce their exposure to many preventable risks through healthier daily habits.

He, however, emphasised that preventing NCDs should not be regarded solely as an individual responsibility, arguing that families, communities, healthcare providers and governments also had important roles to play.

According to the presentation, health promotion must go beyond providing information about diseases to creating social, economic and environmental conditions that make healthier choices easier and more affordable.

Physician advocates healthier diets

The consultant identified nutrition as one of the important determinants of health, warning that diets high in salt, free sugars, saturated fats and unhealthy processed foods could contribute to obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

He recommended diets containing adequate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and other nutrient-rich foods to support healthy body weight and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.

AbdulRauf also highlighted the importance of reducing salt intake, explaining that excessive sodium consumption could raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

He listed fruits such as apples, berries, oranges, bananas, pawpaw, watermelon and avocados among the options highlighted in the presentation, while spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, tomatoes and sweet potatoes were included among the vegetables.

The physician also drew attention to whole-food, plant-based diets, describing them as an important component of strategies for preventing and managing chronic diseases.

He cited familiar Nigerian foods and meals that can form part of a plant-based diet, including moi moi, bean porridge, akara, okra soup, ewedu, gbegiri, brown rice, acha and unripe plantains.

Tiger nut milk, soya milk and groundnut milk were also listed as examples of plant-based drinks.

The presentation emphasised the importance of prioritising whole or minimally processed foods while limiting excessive consumption of refined sugars, unhealthy fats and sodium.

Regular exercise recommended

AbdulRauf identified physical inactivity as another major risk factor, noting that sedentary occupations, motorised transportation and prolonged screen time had contributed to lifestyles characterised by insufficient movement.

He explained that regular physical activity could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity and certain cancers while improving musculoskeletal health, cognitive function and general well-being.

According to the lecture, physical activity does not necessarily require expensive gym memberships or specialised equipment.

Walking, cycling, household activities, recreational sports and other forms of movement can help people become more physically active.

The presentation cited World Health Organisation recommendations that children and adolescents aged five to 17 should undertake at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.

For adults aged 18 to 64, it recommended at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination of both.

READ ALSO:

It also recommended muscle-strengthening activities involving major muscle groups on at least two days a week for adults.

For people aged 65 and above, the presentation recommended similar weekly activity targets, alongside muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days a week.

AbdulRauf also highlighted the need for families, schools, workplaces and communities to encourage active lifestyles by supporting walking, cycling, group exercises, recreational activities and workplace wellness programmes.

Tobacco, alcohol linked to serious health problems

The consultant warned that tobacco use remained an important preventable cause of disease and premature death, with smoking associated with cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions and several cancers.

He also highlighted the dangers of second-hand smoke, noting that exposure could harm people who did not smoke themselves.

The lecture called for tobacco prevention and cessation support, smoke-free environments, public education and measures to discourage young people from initiating tobacco use.

On alcohol, AbdulRauf noted its association with cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and several cancers.

The presentation cited the World Health Organisation’s 2024 global report on alcohol and health, which estimated that alcohol contributed to approximately 2.6 million deaths worldwide in 2019.

It stressed the need for accurate public education on alcohol-related health risks, support for people experiencing alcohol-use problems and policies aimed at reducing harmful consumption.

Healthy weight, sleep and stress management

AbdulRauf also identified overweight and obesity as important metabolic risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

He explained that excess body weight was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, adding that prevention should begin in childhood and continue throughout adulthood.

He stressed that healthy weight management should focus on health and physical functioning rather than appearance alone.

According to the lecture, sustainable weight management is supported by healthy eating, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and avoidance of harmful substances.

The physician further urged Nigerians to pay attention to mental well-being, stress management and sleep, noting that persistent stress could affect sleep patterns, dietary choices, physical activity and other health behaviours.

Relaxation techniques, social support, effective time management and recreational activities were among the strategies identified for supporting well-being.

The presentation also encouraged people experiencing persistent psychological distress to seek appropriate professional assistance.

Routine screening essential for early detection

The consultant emphasised that healthy lifestyle promotion should be complemented by regular health checks and early detection.

He explained that some non-communicable diseases could develop silently for years before symptoms became obvious, meaning that individuals might remain unaware of their conditions until complications occurred.

READ ALSO:

He identified regular blood-pressure measurement, blood glucose assessment and appropriate screening based on age, sex, family history and other risk factors as important components of preventive healthcare.

The lecture also advocated cancer screening in line with nationally recommended guidelines and available evidence.

According to AbdulRauf, early detection could enable individuals to receive counselling, treatment and follow-up before diseases progressed to severe complications.

He further advised people already diagnosed with NCDs to take prescribed medications correctly and maintain regular contact with healthcare providers.

The presentation stressed that screening and lifestyle counselling should form part of routine primary healthcare services to improve prevention, early identification and long-term disease management.

Families, communities urged to support prevention

AbdulRauf called for a collective approach to NCD prevention, involving individuals, families, religious organisations, schools, workplaces, healthcare professionals and government institutions.

He explained that families could support healthier living by preparing nutritious meals, encouraging physical activity, maintaining smoke-free homes and helping members sustain positive behavioural changes.

Communities, he said, could organise health education programmes, physical activity initiatives, screening exercises and support groups.

Religious organisations, traditional institutions, community associations and civil society organisations were also identified as important partners in promoting healthy living.

The presentation encouraged healthcare professionals to integrate lifestyle counselling into routine consultations and use primary healthcare facilities for risk assessment, health education, screening, referral and follow-up.

At the policy level, it called for measures that promote healthier food environments, tobacco control, physical activity, clean air and accessible preventive healthcare.

It also identified poverty, limited access to nutritious foods, unsafe environments for exercise, inadequate health information, cultural beliefs, aggressive marketing of unhealthy products, long working hours and limited access to healthcare as barriers to adopting healthier lifestyles.

According to the lecture, addressing these challenges requires cooperation across sectors, including health, education, agriculture, transport, urban planning, finance and environmental management.

Practical steps for healthier living

The physician’s presentation outlined practical measures Nigerians could incorporate into their daily routines to reduce their risk of chronic diseases.

These include increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains; reducing excessive salt, sugar and unhealthy fats; engaging in regular physical activity; avoiding tobacco; and avoiding harmful alcohol consumption.

It also recommended maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring blood pressure and blood glucose as appropriate, managing stress, getting adequate sleep and participating in recommended preventive screening.

The lecture presented six pillars of lifestyle medicine under the acronym “DREAMS”: diet and nutrition, relationships, exercise, avoidance of risky substances, mental well-being and sleep hygiene.

The framework highlighted the importance of combining healthy eating and physical activity with positive social relationships, psychological well-being, adequate rest and avoidance of harmful substances.

The presentation also emphasised that healthy behaviours should be promoted throughout life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood and old age.

Prevention described as shared responsibility

In its concluding message, the lecture stated that although genetic, environmental and social factors influence NCDs, many of their major risk factors could be modified through appropriate lifestyle choices and supportive public health interventions.

It stressed that the successful prevention and control of these diseases would require more than individual motivation, noting that people needed access to affordable nutritious foods, safe spaces for physical activity, appropriate healthcare services and supportive social environments.

The presentation called on governments to strengthen policies and health systems that support healthier food choices, physical activity, tobacco control, clean air and preventive healthcare.

It also urged healthcare professionals and community organisations to help translate health information into practical steps that individuals and families could sustain over time.

The central message of the webinar was that preventing non-communicable diseases requires a combination of personal responsibility, community participation, effective healthcare services and supportive public policies.

By encouraging healthier habits and improving access to prevention and early detection, the lecture noted, individuals and communities could work towards longer, healthier and more productive lives.