ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future, saying the sacrifices associated with ongoing economic reforms are beginning to yield measurable signs of stabilisation.
Yilwatda, in his Independence Day message to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, described the 66th anniversary of the country’s independence as an occasion to celebrate the resilience, unity and enduring faith of Nigerians in the nation’s potential.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s journey since independence had been marked by considerable difficulties, but said the country had repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to overcome adversity, reinvent itself and move forward.
The APC chairman also commended Nigerians for the patience and sacrifices they had made in confronting the economic difficulties of recent years.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a challenging economic situation and responded by undertaking fundamental reforms intended to address longstanding structural distortions and establish a more sustainable economic foundation.
He cited the removal of the petrol subsidy, reforms to the foreign-exchange market, efforts to improve domestic revenue mobilisation, monetary and fiscal reforms, as well as measures to attract investment and strengthen productive sectors as key components of the administration’s economic programme.
Yilwatda conceded that the reforms had imposed significant short-term costs on households and businesses.
However, he argued that emerging economic indicators suggested that the country was beginning to record greater macroeconomic stability.
He referred to recent assessments by the World Bank, which he said had identified stronger economic growth, improved fiscal and external positions, rising foreign-exchange reserves and greater stability in the foreign-exchange market among the outcomes associated with the reform programme.
According to the figures cited in the statement, Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, while the country’s gross foreign reserves stood at $51.9 billion at the end of July.
The APC chairman said the government’s focus should now extend beyond stabilising the economy to ensuring that the benefits of reform become increasingly visible in the lives of ordinary 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.
Yilwatda also highlighted developments in the energy sector, investment, the digital economy and social protection as areas in which he said the reform programme was beginning to move from economic stabilisation towards structural transformation.
He said the ultimate test of the reforms would be their capacity to produce jobs, expand opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthen businesses, improve infrastructure and raise the quality of life of families across the country.
The APC chairman further linked economic performance to the broader responsibilities of democratic governance, saying political leadership must remain accountable to citizens.
“Democracy is ultimately about improving the lives of citizens,” he said, while assuring Nigerians that the APC would continue to support policies aimed at promoting economic growth, national security, social inclusion, investment and institutional development.
Appeal ahead of 2027 elections
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Yilwatda urged Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process and assess political parties and candidates based on their records, policies, programmes and plans.
He said the Independence anniversary offered an opportunity not only to celebrate Nigeria’s achievements but also to reflect on the challenges that remain and the opportunities available to the country.
Rather than allowing current difficulties to obscure the country’s long-term potential, he urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the nation and contribute to its development.
Yilwatda expressed confidence that Nigeria possessed the human resources, natural endowments and entrepreneurial energy required to become a stronger and more prosperous country.
He said the APC would continue to work with the Federal Government, state governments, elected representatives and Nigerians across the country to consolidate what he described as the gains of ongoing reforms and build a more productive, secure and united nation.
He called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and patriotic, arguing that present difficulties should be viewed against the country’s larger 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. 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.
The statement was signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the APC National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, on October 1, 2026.