President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, improving security, and expanding economic opportunities as the nation marked Democracy Day, celebrating 27 uninterrupted years of civilian rule.
In his Democracy Day address to Nigerians on June 12, the President described the country’s democratic journey as a testament to the resilience and determination of its people, noting that since the return to civilian governance in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed peaceful transfers of power and the resolution of political disputes through democratic institutions rather than violence.
According to Tinubu, although Nigeria’s democratic system remains a work in progress, it belongs to Nigerians and must continue to be protected and strengthened.
The President called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and political stakeholders to ensure that upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are conducted peacefully and transparently. He stressed that public confidence in the electoral process remains critical to the survival and growth of democracy.
He also urged the National Assembly, the judiciary, the media, and civil society organisations to continue playing their constitutional roles in safeguarding democratic values and holding government accountable.
Addressing Nigerian youths, Tinubu encouraged them to contribute actively to national development by building careers, businesses, and innovations within the country while participating in the democratic process through voting and civic engagement.
The President paid tribute to members of the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders for their contributions toward maintaining peace and national unity.
He further honoured the sacrifices of numerous pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, students, politicians, and ordinary citizens who endured imprisonment, exile, intimidation, and in some cases death during Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance.
Despite celebrating democratic progress, Tinubu acknowledged growing concerns over insecurity, particularly referencing the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states. He assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to restoring security across the country.
The President revealed that the Federal Government had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of military personnel. He also disclosed that the 2026 national budget allocates N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the largest security budget in Nigeria’s history.
Highlighting achievements in the fight against insurgency and terrorism, Tinubu stated that security forces had intensified precision operations against terrorist groups, including a successful operation in Arege, Borno State, where the command centre of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) was reportedly degraded.
According to him, terror-related fatalities have fallen significantly since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised within the past year. He added that over 124,000 insurgents and their dependents had surrendered through the Operation Safe Corridor programme since 2023.
The President issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers, and terrorism sponsors, urging them to surrender or face the full force of government action.
Tinubu also used the occasion to reflect on the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s history, describing it as a defining symbol of national unity and democratic aspiration. He paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola and Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, alongside other notable figures who played significant roles in the struggle for democratic governance.
Among those recognised were Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and several other heroes of democracy.
The President noted that while the June 12 movement secured political freedom, the current generation bears the responsibility of achieving economic freedom and prosperity for Nigerians.
He defended his administration’s economic reforms, arguing that difficult decisions taken since assuming office in 2023 were necessary to stabilise public finances and restore investor confidence.
According to Tinubu, government revenues have improved significantly, allowing states and local governments greater access to funds for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. He added that fiscal transparency has improved while leakages in public finances have been reduced.
The President further stated that investor confidence has increased across key sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, mining, technology, transportation, and the creative industry.
He highlighted improvements in domestic petroleum refining capacity, saying the development has strengthened Nigeria’s energy security and reduced dependence on imported fuel products.
On electricity, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges inherited by his administration, including inadequate power generation, weak transmission infrastructure, substantial debts, and a severe metering deficit.
To address the sector’s challenges, he referenced the implementation of the Electricity Act, which empowers states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently. He also revealed that efforts are ongoing to close the country’s metering gap and settle legacy debts within the power sector.
The President noted that rural electrification projects supported by international partners have expanded access to electricity in underserved communities, markets, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.
He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure development projects across the country, saying they are helping connect producers to markets while creating employment opportunities.
According to him, the National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over a five-year period, while more than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises have received export certification. He added that non-oil exports recorded a 21 percent increase during the previous year.
While acknowledging that many Nigerians continue to experience economic hardship, Tinubu assured citizens that his administration remains focused on reducing inflation, increasing food production, creating jobs, and improving living standards.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening local government autonomy across Nigeria’s 774 councils, arguing that effective grassroots governance is essential for sustainable development and improved security.
As part of activities marking Democracy Day, the President announced that the Federal Government had approved the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna in honour of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. The institution will now be known as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
Tinubu also announced that numerous pro-democracy activists, journalists, intellectuals, politicians, and military officers who contributed to the June 12 struggle would receive national honours in recognition of their sacrifices.
He said the complete honours list would be officially released in the coming days.
Concluding his address, the President urged Nigerians to remain united despite current challenges, expressing confidence that the nation would overcome insecurity and economic difficulties.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity remains a source of strength and called on citizens to renew their commitment to democracy, justice, freedom, and national development.
“The generation of June 12 secured democracy,” Tinubu said. “Our generation must secure prosperity.”
The President wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and prayed for continued peace, progress, and unity across the country.