President Bola Tinubu delivered a comprehensive national broadcast on June 12, 2026, fiercely defending his economic reforms while promising an uncompromising offensive against insecurity. The address focused on security, economic reforms, electricity improvements, and national unity, while honoring June 12 heroes and urging Nigerians to remain hopeful.
27 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy
Tinubu said Nigeria has enjoyed 27 years of uninterrupted democracy and urged citizens, institutions, and political actors to protect and strengthen democratic governance. He highlighted security efforts, including increased recruitment of police and military personnel, a record N5.41 trillion security budget, and ongoing operations against terrorists and kidnappers. The president defended his administration's economic reforms, pointing to higher government revenues, growing investments, power sector reforms, and plans to improve living standards despite ongoing economic hardship.
Security Remains Top Priority
The president acknowledged national concerns over insecurity, particularly the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states. "Though this year's mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is a mirage," he said. Tinubu declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of military personnel. He revealed that the 2026 federal budget allocates N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the largest security spending commitment in Nigeria's history.
The president also highlighted recent military operations against terrorist groups, including a strike on an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State. According to him, terror-related deaths have dropped significantly compared to previous years, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised over the past year. At the same time, the government remains open to rehabilitation efforts through Operation Safe Corridor. "Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor," Tinubu said. He warned criminals that government patience has limits: "To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians."
Economic Reforms Defended
Addressing the economy, Tinubu argued that difficult reforms introduced since he assumed office in 2023 were necessary to stabilise public finances and restore investor confidence. He said federation revenues have increased, fiscal transparency has improved, and investments across key sectors have grown. "Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management," he said. The president pointed to increased investments in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, energy, and the creative sector as evidence of improving confidence in the economy. He also noted that domestic refining capacity has expanded, helping reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
Power Sector Reforms
Tinubu admitted that Nigeria's electricity sector faced deep structural problems before his administration took office, including poor generation, weak transmission infrastructure, huge debts, and a massive metering gap. To address these challenges, he referenced the Electricity Act, which allows states to participate more actively in power generation, transmission, and distribution. The president disclosed that the Presidential Power Sector Task Force has been authorised to raise a N4 trillion bond to clear verified legacy debts in the sector. He also highlighted rural electrification projects supported by the World Bank and African Development Bank aimed at bringing electricity to underserved communities. "Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it," he said.
Challenges Acknowledged
Despite highlighting achievements, Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to struggle with rising living costs and economic hardship. "Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship," he said. He stated that the government remains focused on lowering inflation, increasing food production, creating jobs, and improving living standards. "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. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket."
Local Government Autonomy and Youth Appeal
The president also spoke about efforts to strengthen local government administration, arguing that weak governance at the grassroots level has contributed to insecurity and underdevelopment. According to him, the administration's push for financial autonomy for all 774 local government councils is aimed at ensuring development reaches ordinary Nigerians. In a direct appeal to young Nigerians tempted by the "Japa" migration trend, Tinubu urged the youth to stay and build their future at home, stating that "every great nation was built by those who stayed." He said, "To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship."
Tribute to June 12 Heroes
The president paid solemn respect to Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other icons of the 1993 struggle, noting that June 12 remains a sacred pillar of Nigeria's long democratic journey. He also honoured Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Bola Ige, Alfred Rewane, Abraham Adesanya, Anthony Enahoro, Balarabe Musa, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Chima Ubani, and several other democracy activists who fought against military rule. "June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story," he said.
New University Named After Shehu Musa Yar'Adua
In one of the major announcements from the speech, Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna. The institution will now be known as the General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology. The president said the decision was made to honour the late Shehu Musa Yar'Adua for his contributions to Nigeria's democratic development and national unity.
Ending the address, Tinubu urged Nigerians to reject division and remain united in pursuit of prosperity. "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 concluded.
