President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a comprehensive address to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 12, 2025, as part of Nigeria's Democracy Day celebrations. The speech highlighted the nation's democratic journey, economic reforms, and honored heroes of Nigeria's democratic struggle.
In his address, Tinubu paid tribute to the sacrifices made by those who fought to restore democratic governance to Nigeria, particularly acknowledging former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day and Chief MKO Abiola as the rightful winner of the 1993 presidential election.
Economic Reforms and Achievements
The President highlighted several economic achievements under his administration, noting that GDP grew by 3.4 percent in 2024, with the fourth quarter reaching 4.6 percent—the highest quarterly growth in over a decade. He also mentioned that inflation is gradually easing, foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Naira exchange rate has stabilized.
"Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 percent clip with a stronger manufacturing base," Tinubu stated, adding that his administration is working toward achieving food sovereignty.
The President also mentioned the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which has benefited over 100,000 Nigerians, including 35,000 civil servants, by providing affordable consumer credit. He announced plans to launch a new initiative in July to empower 400,000 young Nigerians with consumer credit.
One-Party State Rumors Addressed
Addressing rumors about the All Progressives Congress (APC) aiming to create a one-party state, Tinubu firmly denied such intentions: "At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria."
He welcomed new APC members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, led by Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno, while suggesting that parties concerned about losing members should focus on their internal affairs rather than "conjuring up demons that do not exist."
National Honors for Democracy Heroes
In a significant portion of his speech, Tinubu announced the conferment of posthumous national honors on several democracy heroes, including Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Shehu Musa Yar'Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), and many others who contributed to Nigeria's democratic struggle.
The President also conferred national honors on living democracy advocates, including Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Barrister Femi Falana (CON), and numerous journalists, activists, and politicians who played crucial roles in Nigeria's democratic journey.
Additionally, Tinubu announced posthumous national honors for Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON) and the other eight members of the Ogoni Nine, stating that he would exercise his powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon.
Digital Infrastructure and Security
The President spoke about an ambitious project to lay fiber optic cables across the nation to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity. He also addressed national security concerns, noting improved coordination of intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, and thanked the Armed Forces for their service.
"Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training to secure every inch of this country," Tinubu stated.
The President concluded by calling on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the ideals of June 12: freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed.
During the ceremony, Tinubu also decorated the presiding officers of the National Assembly with National Honours previously conferred upon them last year, including Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio (GCON) and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen (GCON).
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