President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry across the country.
Characterizing the ongoing insecurity as “unacceptable” and contrary to Nigeria’s fundamental values, the President pledged to bolster the nation’s security apparatus to restore peace to embattled communities.
He spoke at the opening of the 2nd National Economic Council (NEC) Conference in Abuja on Monday.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President described insecurity as an economic hindrance, stressing that all hands must be on deck to find an immediate solution.
The President commended the governors of Borno, Katsina, and Kaduna for their dedication to defending national security and public interests.
Welcoming stakeholders to the conference themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development,” Tinubu described the event as a symbol of collective commitment to the 2026–2030 development agenda.
He also recognized the Vice President Kashim Shettima-led NEC for maintaining its status as a vital hub for national policy coordination.
“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,” he said.
Highlighting the key achievements of his administration thus far, Tinubu said the economic reforms undertaken since inception have helped stabilise the economy and restore 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.”
Tinubu credited the Yemi Cardoso-led Central Bank for stabilizing Nigeria’s monetary policy, a move he says has restored investor and public confidence.
This fiscal shift, he explained, ensures that state and local governments receive the steady funding necessary to sustain social services and infrastructure projects.
Beyond macro-economics, the President outlined a robust agenda for physical development—spanning irrigation and housing—alongside a “Renewed Hope” social safety net aimed at shielding the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
Key Improvements:
“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.
In the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030, President Tinubu explained that it represents the next phase of Nigeria’s national journey, anchored in 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.
While the task before the nation is challenging, the opportunity is historic, Tinubu expressed confidence that resolutions from the conference would advance agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment and ranching.
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