President Bola Tinubu yesterday painted a concerning picture of Nigeria’s security situation, saying terrorism has been keeping him and many citizens awake at night.
He reassured Nigerians, however, that the country would overcome terrorism and banditry, calling these threats “unacceptable” and foreign to Nigeria’s core values.
Speaking at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja during the opening of the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference, Tinubu promised his administration would strengthen security forces and restore peace in affected areas.
“I promise you here that I’ll play my part. Seven zones of mechanisation are coming. I promise Nigerians that this will be delivered, and I am here again to further find ways to strengthen our security forces and defeat terrorism. That, I promise you, is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you we will win with determination and resilience. We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It’s not part of our culture. It’s foreign to us,” he said.
The president noted that insecurity slows economic growth and urged all stakeholders to act swiftly to find solutions. He particularly praised the governors of Borno, Katsina, and Kaduna states, among others, for their efforts in protecting citizens’ freedom and welfare.
Welcoming governors, ministers, National Assembly members, development partners, and private sector leaders to the two-day conference, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,” Tinubu said the gathering reflected a shared commitment to national progress.
He commended the National Economic Council, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for providing a vital platform for policy coordination and strategic dialogue.
“I am pleased to address the second edition of the National Economic Council Conference at a critical moment in Nigeria’s development journey. NEC remains a cornerstone of fiscal federalism and economic governance in our country,” Tinubu stated.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Tinubu said economic reforms since taking office have stabilized the economy and boosted confidence.
“I must say again at this juncture, the monetary policy that we have embarked on since the reforms has yielded positive results and gained recognition around the world,” he added, commending Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso for restoring trust in Nigeria’s monetary policy.
The president also noted that state and local governments now receive more reliable federal allocations, enabling them to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure, and deliver essential services.
He stressed that infrastructure development in transport, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation has been prioritized.
Tinubu further highlighted social investment and human capital programs that support vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses, along with community-focused initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Renewed Hope Ward Development Project further demonstrates our commitment to grassroots inclusion through a bottom-up approach to national development. These successes reflect strong collaboration among the federal and state governments, development partners, and the private sector,” he said.
On the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030, Tinubu described it as the next phase of Nigeria’s journey, emphasizing inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable growth.
“The plan prioritises economic diversification and productivity, human capital development, subnational competitiveness based on comparative advantage, private sector-led growth, and climate resilience. Its success will depend largely on effective implementation at the state and local government levels, making NEC central to aligning national priorities with subnational realities. This Conference has reinforced collaboration, shared accountability, and a focus on practical solutions and measurable outcomes. We must move decisively from declarations to implementation through data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states, and innovative financing models,” he said.
Tinubu concluded by acknowledging the challenge ahead but expressed optimism about the historic opportunity for progress, confident that conference resolutions would advance agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment, and ranching.
