Democracy Must Deliver Economic Freedom, Tinubu Tells Nigerians on June 12

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday declared that Nigeria’s next democratic challenge is to secure economic freedom for citizens, saying democracy must translate into improved living standards, jobs and prosperity for ordinary Nigerians.

In his Democracy Day address marking 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, Tinubu said while the heroes of June 12 fought and secured political freedom, the responsibility of the current generation is to ensure economic prosperity reaches every Nigerian.

“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,” the President said.
He stressed that democracy should not be measured solely by elections and political participation but by its impact on the daily lives of citizens.

“Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers,” he said.

Defending the economic reforms introduced since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu argued that the measures were necessary to rescue public finances, restore investor confidence and place the economy on a sustainable growth path.

According to him, federation revenues have increased significantly, fiscal transparency has improved, and investments have expanded across key sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining and transportation.

The President also highlighted gains in domestic refining capacity and efforts to address longstanding challenges in the electricity sector.

He noted that the Electricity Act signed by his administration has empowered states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity, while measures are underway to close the country’s metering gap and settle legacy debts in the power sector.

Tinubu said infrastructure projects across the country are helping to connect producers to markets, while agricultural initiatives such as the deployment of 10,000 tractors over five years are expected to boost food production and rural development.

He added that non-oil exports recorded a 21 per cent increase last year, while more than 1,000 small and medium-scale enterprises have been certified for export.

Despite these developments, the President acknowledged the economic difficulties still confronting many Nigerians.

“Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity,” he said.

On security, Tinubu described safety as a critical pillar of democratic governance, insisting that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

He cited the government’s declaration of a security emergency, the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, as well as a record N5.41 trillion allocation to defence and security in the 2026 budget.

The President also pointed to military successes against insurgent groups, saying terror-related deaths have fallen significantly while thousands of terrorists have been neutralised and more than 124,000 fighters and their dependants have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.

Addressing the nation’s democratic institutions, Tinubu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political actors to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

He also called on the National Assembly, judiciary, media and civil society organisations to continue safeguarding democracy.
“Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” he said.

The President further renewed his administration’s commitment to local government autonomy, arguing that effective grassroots governance is essential to national development and security.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda seeks to ensure that the benefits of governance reach all Nigerians through stronger local institutions.

Tinubu used the occasion to pay tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and several pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices helped restore democratic rule.

He also announced the conferment of national honours on dozens of individuals who played significant roles in the struggle for democracy, with the full honours list expected to be released in the coming days.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Tinubu said the country’s diversity, once considered a threat to democratic survival, has become one of its greatest strengths.

“Our generation must secure prosperity,” he said. “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.”

The President urged Nigerians to remain united and hopeful, saying the country’s democratic future depends on collective commitment to justice, accountability, freedom and shared prosperity.