President Bola Ahmed Tinubu showed up at the National Assembly on June 12th 2025 to mark another June 12 Democracy Day with an address to the country’s parliament. The president showed up with numbers, names, and a statement on democracy, to affirm that his leadership has been producing results and getting things done.
In a speech that earned mixed reflection for his bold claims, President Tinubu used the opportunity to push back against rumours of a one-party state and, more importantly, to list out what his administration has accomplished since he took office.
Here are some of the key achievements he mentioned:
1. President Tinubu disclosed that his team aims at stabilizing the economy.
According to him, those efforts are paying off as the country’s GDP growth reached 3.4% in 2024, with Q4 hitting 4.6%—the best in over a decade. He also pointed out that Inflation is slowing down, food prices are starting to ease, states aren’t borrowing to pay salaries anymore and the naira is no longer in free fall.
2. The president also made sure to mention that over 100,000 Nigerians—including 35,000 civil servants—have already accessed consumer credit through Credicorp.
He revealed that this is only the beginning. A new initiative coming in July is expected to empower 400,000 young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with access to credit. It’s part of a broader goal to equip the next generation not just with hope, but with tools.
3. President Tinubu’s core message was on empowerment.
He pointed to NELFUND—which is backing education, apprenticeships, and internships— as a means to build a skilled, job-ready youth population. He explained that the tax system is finally getting the overhaul it desperately needed. There’s a new Tax Reform Package and small businesses are getting exemptions to help them. The Office of the Tax Ombudsman is also live, offering protection and transparency.
4. He confirmed the recent establishment of a ₦100 billion National Credit Guarantee Company
Aiming to boost industrialization and reduce corruption. Backed by players like BOI, NSIA, and CreditCorp, the move signals a push to get Nigeria building again by manufacturing, not just importing.
5. Tinubu also addressed national security
Reaffirming that improved intelligence coordination and increased investment in tech and training are already making highways safer. The military got a well-deserved shout-out by the president, who described their bravery as why we’re able to even talk about democracy in the first place.
6. On infrastructure
He said progress is being made with roads, ports, rail, and power.
7. The speech was also used the moment to honour the past as well.
He announced a long list of posthumous and living national awards, including a posthumous pardon for Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine. Kudirat Abiola was posthumously awarded the CFR, and others who paid the price for Nigeria’s democracy were also recognized.
In a clear gesture to June 12’s legacy, the president called for a renewed dedication to freedom, justice, and accountable governance. For Tinubu, the democracy fought for in the streets of Lagos in the ‘90s is now being defended in legislative halls and financial reforms.
