By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said Nigeria is on the path to becoming a stronger and more prosperous nation, urging citizens not to lose faith in the country despite the economic difficulties of recent years.
Yilwatda, in a message to Nigerians marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, said the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, celebrate the resilience of its people and renew commitment to building a more united and prosperous country.
The APC chairman, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians have faced, saying the country’s post-independence journey had been marked by significant challenges but also by an enduring capacity to overcome adversity and move forward.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited what he described as a difficult economic situation and subsequently embarked on fundamental reforms intended to address longstanding structural distortions in the economy.
Among the measures he cited were the removal of the petrol subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, monetary and fiscal reforms, and measures designed to attract investment and strengthen productive sectors.
According to Yilwatda, the reforms have come with significant short-term sacrifices for Nigerians, but he argued that there were signs of macroeconomic stabilisation.
He cited World Bank figures which, according to him, showed that 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 also pointed to developments in the energy sector, investment, the digital economy and social protection as indications that the reform programme was moving beyond economic stabilisation towards what he described as structural transformation.
“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 maintained that the ultimate measure of economic reforms should be their impact on ordinary Nigerians, including the ability of households to earn better incomes, businesses to expand and young people to secure meaningful employment.
He said the APC recognised that democracy must ultimately be measured by its impact on citizens, adding that political leadership must remain accountable to the people.
The party chairman also urged Nigerians to use the Independence anniversary to examine the country’s challenges and opportunities, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
Rather than viewing the democratic process merely through partisan lenses, he encouraged citizens to assess the records, policies, programmes and future plans of political parties and candidates and to participate actively in the electoral process.
Yilwatda expressed confidence in Nigeria’s human resources, natural endowments and entrepreneurial capacity, saying the country possessed the ingredients required to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
He pledged that the APC would continue to support policies aimed at economic growth, national security, social inclusion, investment and institutional development, while working with the Federal Government, state governments, elected representatives and citizens to consolidate the gains of the ongoing reforms.
The APC chairman called for continued patriotism and hope, arguing that present difficulties should not overshadow the possibilities available to the country in the future.
“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,” he said.
