President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security, economic reforms and national development, declaring that the current generation of Nigerians must focus on securing prosperity for the nation.
Speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day address on Friday, the President reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey and paid tribute to those who sacrificed for the country’s return to civilian rule.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria has enjoyed 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance since 1999, describing it as the longest period of civilian rule in the nation’s history.
He urged Nigerians to continue defending democratic institutions while maintaining faith in the country’s future.
“Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” the President said.
Addressing security challenges across the country, Tinubu said his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of military recruits.
He disclosed that the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the largest security allocation in the nation’s history.
According to him, security operations have produced significant results, including the degradation of terrorist strongholds and a reduction in terror-related deaths.
The President stated that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the past year, while over 124,000 fighters and their dependents surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
Tinubu also issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers and terror sponsors, urging them to surrender or face the full force of the law.
He stressed that criminal activities should not be linked to any ethnic group, calling on Nigerians to remain united against insecurity.
“Crime has no ethnicity,” he stated.
On the economy, Tinubu defended the reforms introduced since assuming office in 2023, describing them as necessary steps to stabilise public finances and restore investor confidence.
He said federation revenues have increased, fiscal transparency has improved and investments in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining and transportation have grown.
The President also highlighted progress in the energy sector, noting that domestic refining capacity has expanded, reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
He pointed to reforms in the electricity sector, including the implementation of the Electricity Act, which allows states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity independently.
According to him, the government is working to reduce the metering deficit and address long-standing challenges affecting power supply across the country.
Tinubu further announced that the National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over a five-year period to boost food production and agricultural productivity.
He added that non-oil exports grew by 21 per cent in the last year, while more than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises have been certified for export.
Despite the reported progress, the President acknowledged that many Nigerians are still experiencing economic hardship.
He assured citizens that his administration remains focused on reducing inflation, creating jobs, improving living standards and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community and every region,” he said.
Tinubu also emphasised the importance of local government autonomy, arguing that effective grassroots governance is essential for national development and improved security.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, the President honoured Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other pro-democracy activists who played crucial roles in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
He announced national honours for several democracy advocates and military officers who contributed to the June 12 movement and the restoration of democratic rule.
Calling for unity and optimism, Tinubu urged Nigerians to reject division and work together toward a common national goal.
“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence, the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” he said.
The President concluded by expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future, insisting that the nation would continue to overcome its challenges and emerge stronger through unity, resilience and democratic governance.
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