Democracy Day: Tinubu Vows to Deepen Reforms, Strengthen Security, Expand Economic Opportunities
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democracy, improving security, and delivering economic prosperity to Nigerians, declaring that the country must move from political freedom to economic freedom.
In his Democracy Day address on Friday, marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria, President Tinubu paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle and urged citizens to remain committed to the ideals of democracy, unity, and national development.
The President described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, honouring the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, politicians, students, women and members of the armed forces who fought for democratic rule.
“June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” he said.
Security Remains Top Priority
President Tinubu acknowledged the security challenges facing the country, particularly the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, but expressed confidence that the victims would be safely rescued.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel while allocating N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
According to him, Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts have recorded significant gains, with terror-related deaths declining by 81 per cent since 2015.
The President said more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year, while over 124,000 insurgents and their dependents had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
“To bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he warned.
Economic Reforms Yielding Results
Tinubu defended his administration’s economic reforms, describing them as necessary measures aimed at restoring fiscal stability and investor confidence.
He stated that federation revenues had increased since 2023, enabling state and local governments to invest more in infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.
The President also highlighted growing investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and the creative industry, noting that non-oil exports grew by 21 per cent in the past year.
“Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Investor confidence has returned and public funds are now better directed to national priorities,” he said.
Power Sector Reforms
On electricity, Tinubu said his administration inherited a sector plagued by inadequate generation, weak transmission infrastructure, massive debts and a metering deficit exceeding four million consumers.
He noted that the implementation of the Electricity Act has empowered states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity, while the Presidential Power Sector Task Force has been authorised to raise N4 trillion to settle verified legacy debts.
The President added that the Rural Electrification Agency, with support from the World Bank and African Development Bank, is expanding off-grid and mini-grid projects to underserved communities, universities, markets and hospitals.
“Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it,” he said.
Local Government Autonomy and Development
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots governance through financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local government councils.
He argued that weak local governance structures have contributed to insecurity and underdevelopment across many communities.
“The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance,” he stated.
National Unity and Democracy
The President urged Nigerians to reject division and despair, stressing that democracy can only thrive when citizens actively participate in nation-building.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
“To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here and vote here,” he said.
New University Named After Yar’Adua
As part of activities marking Democracy Day, Tinubu announced the renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna after the late pro-democracy figure, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
The institution will now be known as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
Democracy Activists to Receive National Honours
The President also announced that dozens of democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, civil society leaders and military officers who played significant roles during the June 12 struggle would be honoured with national awards.
The full honours list, he said, would be released in the coming days.
Concluding his address, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, saying the country’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.
“Twenty-seven years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep, but June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” he said.
The President wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity for the nation.
Democracy Day: Tinubu Vows to Deepen Reforms, Strengthen Security, Expand Economic Opportunities