President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that maintaining national security is essential to achieving Nigeria’s economic development goals, attracting investment and building long-term prosperity.
Tinubu stated this during the graduation ceremony of National Defence College Course 34 in Abuja, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The President said a secure environment remains the foundation for business growth, economic expansion and improved living conditions for citizens.
He explained that the administration’s economic strategy is focused on strengthening economic stability, supporting local industries and creating an environment capable of attracting domestic and foreign investment.
Security as foundation for economic progress
Tinubu said the government recognises the protection of lives and property as a key requirement for sustainable economic transformation.
He noted that the country’s security forces continue to confront major threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy and organised crime.
According to him, strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies remains a major priority of his administration.
“Our economic ambitions accompany the duty to secure our people,” Tinubu said.
He assured that the government would continue providing security institutions with necessary equipment, training, resources and institutional backing to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
The President said peace and economic opportunity are closely connected, stressing that communities can only thrive when people are able to work, trade, learn and invest without fear.
Africa needs secure economies, Tinubu says
Tinubu said Africa’s future security would increasingly depend on productive economies, stronger regional value chains, innovation and industries capable of creating employment opportunities for the continent’s growing youth population.
He stressed that industrial development must remain central to achieving inclusive growth, reducing economic vulnerability and improving Africa’s influence globally.
The President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa through reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the administration’s policies are designed to create a competitive economy by improving conditions for businesses, encouraging private sector participation and expanding local production.
Investment in infrastructure and key sectors
Tinubu highlighted government investments in infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, energy and digital connectivity, saying such projects would reduce costs, improve market access and strengthen national integration.
He added that Nigeria was building capacity in agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, technology and defence industries.
According to him, true national sovereignty depends on a country’s ability to withstand challenges, meet essential needs and protect its interests.
Tinubu charges defence graduates
The President urged graduates of the National Defence College Course 34 to apply the knowledge gained from the institution in promoting strategic leadership, security cooperation and national development.
The 103 participants included officers from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, government ministries and agencies, as well as representatives from friendly countries.
Tinubu congratulated the graduates, praising their discipline, commitment and resilience.
He encouraged them to uphold the values of excellence, courage, patriotism and integrity associated with the National Defence College.
The President also commended the Commandant, faculty members and staff of the college for sustaining Nigeria’s leading institution for strategic education and policy research.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates to the participants and recognition of outstanding graduates.
Background Information
Nigeria has faced several security challenges in recent years, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and organised crime.
Successive governments have identified improved security as a requirement for economic development, especially in attracting investment, expanding businesses and protecting infrastructure.
The National Defence College Nigeria provides strategic training for senior military officers, government officials and international participants on security policy, leadership and national development.
