Tinubu: Securing Nigerians’ Lives Key to Economic Growth
President Bola Tinubu has declared that protecting the lives and property of Nigerians is non-negotiable, describing national security as a fundamental requirement for achieving the country’s economic ambitions and long-term prosperity.
Tinubu stated this on Friday at the graduation ceremony of participants of the National Defence College Course 34 in Abuja. The President was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to the President, economic development cannot be sustained without a secure environment where citizens and businesses can operate freely.
“Our economic ambitions accompany the duty to secure our people,” Tinubu said.
The President said the government remained committed to strengthening the Armed Forces and security agencies in their fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy and organised criminality.
He also pledged continued government support through improved equipment, training, resources and institutional backing for the security agencies to effectively carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
Security and economic growth
Tinubu linked security directly to economic opportunity, arguing that peaceful communities create the conditions necessary for businesses to thrive and citizens to improve their livelihoods.
“Peace creates room for enterprise, and enterprise enlarges the citizen’s stake in peace,” he said.
He added that once communities regain stability, economic opportunities must follow because people need security to work, trade, learn and build their future.
The President also stressed that Africa’s long-term security would increasingly depend on the strength of its economies.
He said productive economies, regional value chains, innovation and industries capable of providing employment for Africa’s growing youth population would play an increasingly important role in the continent’s security.
Tinubu further advocated greater industrialisation through the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying it would help promote inclusive growth, reduce structural vulnerabilities and strengthen Africa’s bargaining power.
Tinubu highlights economic reforms
The President also highlighted measures being implemented under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to create a more productive and diversified Nigerian economy.
He said the government was working to improve the business environment, attract private investment, promote local value addition and expand infrastructure covering roads, railways, ports, energy and digital connectivity.
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According to him, such investments would help reduce costs, connect markets and strengthen national integration.
He added that the government was also building capacity in agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, technology and the defence industry.
“Sovereignty acquires substance when a nation can absorb shocks, meet essential needs and defend its interests,” Tinubu said.
103 participants graduate
Earlier, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, said the President’s participation in the ceremony, represented by the Vice President, demonstrated the administration’s commitment to strategic leadership development and national security.
Ahmed said the participants had completed 47 weeks of intensive training involving research, field tours and seminars focused on contemporary security and developmental challenges, as well as defence management.
A total of 103 participants received certificates at the ceremony.
They comprised 33 Nigerian Army personnel, 20 Nigerian Navy personnel, nine Nigerian Air Force personnel, four police officers, 17 officials from ministries, departments and agencies, and 20 international participants.
The President urged the graduands to apply the knowledge acquired during the programme to address security and developmental challenges and contribute to peace, cooperation and economic development in Nigeria and across Africa.
