Eid-el-Kabir: Tinubu Promises Improved Security, Economic Stability as FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday

President says Nigeria is emerging from economic hardship, vows terrorists and bandits will be defeated as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir nationwide.

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By Umar Baba / May 26, 2026

ABUJA, NIGERIA —President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to improving national security, stabilising the economy, and fostering unity across the country despite ongoing security challenges and economic pressures.

In his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message addressed to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world, the president appealed for patience, sacrifice, and national solidarity, insisting that recent economic reforms undertaken by his administration were beginning to yield positive results.

The message comes amid persistent insecurity in parts of the country, rising public concerns over economic hardship, and growing expectations regarding the outcome of the Federal Government’s reform agenda.

Tinubu Says Nigeria Emerging From Difficult Economic Phase

In the message released on Tuesday, Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Nigeria’s current phase as a period of “reconstruction and renewal,” arguing that painful reforms introduced over the last three years were necessary to reposition the country for long-term prosperity.

According to the president, the administration’s economic measures have started producing signs of stability capable of attracting local and foreign investments.

“The sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth,” Tinubu stated.

He further declared that Nigeria had begun to emerge from economic uncertainty.

“The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” the president added.

Economic analysts, however, note that despite improvements in some macroeconomic indicators, many Nigerians continue to grapple with inflation, high living costs, unemployment, and declining purchasing power.

President Assures Citizens of Improved Security

Addressing the nation’s security situation, Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged that terrorism, banditry, and violent attacks remain major threats in some parts of the country despite intensified military operations.

The president referenced recent security operations, including the reported elimination of a wanted ISIS leader, as evidence that Nigerian security agencies are making progress in combating extremist groups and criminal networks.

Nevertheless, he admitted that attacks on communities by terrorists and armed bandits continue to occur.

“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil,” Tinubu said.

The president’s assurance comes at a time when several states across the North-East, North-West, and parts of the North-Central continue to record incidents of kidnappings, insurgency attacks, and communal violence.

Security experts say public confidence in government anti-terror operations remains tied to the administration’s ability to significantly reduce attacks and improve intelligence coordination nationwide.

Call for Unity, Compassion, and Religious Tolerance

Using the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as a platform for national reflection, the president urged Nigerians to embrace the values of sacrifice, compassion, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

Drawing lessons from the Islamic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, Tinubu encouraged citizens to show kindness to one another irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political differences.

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“One central lesson of Eid-el-Kabir is the call to show mercy and compassion, regardless of race, ethnicity, or creed,” he said.

The president further appealed to Nigerians to support vulnerable members of society and strengthen communal relationships during the festive season.

“Let us reach out to the less privileged, share with our neighbours, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us as one people,” he added.

Political observers note that the call for unity comes amid rising political polarisation and increasing concerns over ethnic and religious tensions in parts of the country.

Tinubu Urges Prayer for Nigeria and Leadership

In another significant aspect of the message, Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged Muslim faithful to use the Eid celebration to pray for peace, wisdom, and stability in Nigeria.

He also warned criminals and violent actors to abandon unlawful activities or face prosecution under the law.

“Let us pray that those who commit crimes among us may rethink and abandon their evil ways or face the full weight of the law,” the president declared.

The statement reflects the administration’s continued emphasis on combining security enforcement with appeals for national reconciliation and moral responsibility.

Federal Government Declares Two-Day Public Holiday

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has officially declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.

The announcement was made by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo through a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the declaration is intended to allow Muslim faithful across the country to fully participate in the religious festivities.

The government also encouraged Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for peace, national progress, and economic recovery.

Mixed Public Reactions Trail Presidential Message

Tinubu’s Eid message has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians, with supporters praising the administration’s optimism and commitment to reforms, while critics argue that citizens are yet to feel substantial relief from economic hardship and insecurity.

Some analysts believe the administration faces increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable improvements in living conditions, security, electricity supply, and employment generation ahead of future political cycles.

Others argue that the government’s reform agenda may require more time before broader economic benefits become visible to ordinary Nigerians.

As Muslims across Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message reflects the Federal Government’s attempt to project optimism amid ongoing economic and security challenges.

While the administration insists that difficult reforms are beginning to yield results, many Nigerians remain watchful, expecting tangible improvements in safety, economic stability, and quality of life in the months ahead.