Tinubu: National Security Fundamental to Nigeria’s Economic Prosperity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that national security remains the foundation for achieving Nigeria’s economic ambitions, attracting investment and securing lasting prosperity for citizens.
The President stated this on Friday in Abuja while speaking at the graduation ceremony of National Defence College Course 34, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
President Tinubu said his administration considers the protection of lives and property a prerequisite for business growth, economic expansion and national development.
He noted that the government’s broader economic strategy was focused on strengthening macroeconomic stability, expanding local production, attracting investment and creating an environment where businesses and citizens can thrive.
“Our economic ambitions accompany the duty to secure our people. The Armed Forces and security agencies continue to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy and organised criminality with courage and professionalism,” the President said.
He assured the Armed Forces and other security agencies of continued government support through improved equipment, training, resources and institutional backing to enable them effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, peace and economic development are mutually reinforcing, stressing that communities recovering from insecurity must also experience improved economic opportunities.
“Peace creates room for enterprise, and enterprise enlarges the citizen’s stake in peace. When communities recover security, opportunity must follow, because stability grows where people can work, trade, learn and hope,” he said.
The President also linked Nigeria’s security to the continent’s economic transformation, stressing that Africa’s future stability would increasingly depend on productive economies, regional value chains, innovation and industries capable of creating jobs for its growing youth population.
He said the deepening implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) makes industrialisation critical to inclusive growth, reducing economic vulnerabilities and strengthening Africa’s bargaining power globally.
President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa, while outlining reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at creating a more productive, diversified and competitive economy.
He said the administration was improving the business environment, encouraging private-sector investment, promoting local value addition and expanding infrastructure in roads, railways, ports, energy and digital connectivity.
The President further highlighted efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s 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,” he said.
Tinubu Tasks Graduates on Strategic Leadership
Addressing the 103 graduands of Course 34, President Tinubu described the National Defence College programme as an important platform for developing the broad strategic thinking required in modern statecraft.
The course brought together participants from the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, public institutions and friendly foreign countries.
The President congratulated the graduands on successfully completing the rigorous programme and urged them to apply the knowledge and experience acquired to addressing Nigeria’s complex security and developmental challenges.
He also encouraged the international participants to use the relationships and networks established during the course to promote greater cooperation, understanding, peace and development across Africa and beyond.
President Tinubu commended the Commandant, faculty and staff of the National Defence College for sustaining the institution as a leading centre for strategic education, policy-oriented research and leadership development.
Earlier, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, said the 47-week programme exposed participants to intensive academic and practical training, including research, field tours and seminar presentations focused on contemporary security, development and defence-management challenges.
He expressed confidence that the participants would translate the knowledge gained into practical solutions across Nigeria’s security, economic and governance sectors.
103 Participants Receive Certificates
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to 103 participants, comprising:
33 Nigerian Army officers
20 Nigerian Navy officers
9 Nigerian Air Force officers
4 Police officers
17 officials from Ministries, Departments and Agencies
20 international participants
Awards were also presented to outstanding participants in recognition of their exceptional performance during the course.
The graduation underscores the importance of strategic leadership development in strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture and advancing the country’s broader development objectives.
Tinubu: National Security Fundamental to Nigeria’s Economic Prosperity