President Bola Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria will overcome terrorism and banditry, describing these security threats as “unacceptable” and alien to the nation’s values.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, President Tinubu assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security forces and restoring peace to affected communities.
“I promise you here that I’ll play my part. Seven zones of mechanisation are coming. I promise Nigerians that this will be delivered. 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 also highlighted the economic impact of insecurity, stressing that all hands must be on deck to find immediate solutions. He commended the governors of Borno, Katsina, and Kaduna states, among others, for their efforts in defending freedom and security.
Welcoming state governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, 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,” President Tinubu described the event as a reflection of collective dedication to national progress.
He praised the National Economic Council, chaired 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,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, President Tinubu noted that economic reforms have stabilized the economy and restored confidence. He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria under Governor Yemi Cardoso for bolstering monetary policy credibility.
He added that federal allocations to states and local governments are now more predictable, enabling payment of salaries, investment in infrastructure, and delivery of social services. Infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation has been prioritized.
President Tinubu also highlighted expanded social investment and human capital programs for vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses, alongside grassroots 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,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 aims to drive inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable growth, with priorities including economic diversification, human capital development, subnational competitiveness, private sector-led growth, and climate resilience.
“The Plan’s 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,” he said.
President Tinubu concluded by emphasizing the importance of decisive action, data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states, and innovative financing models. He expressed confidence that conference resolutions would advance agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment, and ranching.