President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will overcome terrorism and banditry, describing the threats as “unacceptable” and alien to the nation’s values.
Speaking at the opening of the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to strengthen security forces and restore peace across 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, and I am here again to further strengthen our security forces and defeat terrorism. We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It’s not part of our culture. It’s foreign to us,” he said.
The President commended governors of Borno, Katsina, Kaduna and others for their efforts in defending freedom and security. He stressed that insecurity remains a major economic hindrance and called for collective action to find immediate solutions.
Welcoming governors, ministers, lawmakers, 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”, Tinubu described NEC as a cornerstone of fiscal federalism and economic governance.
He highlighted achievements of his administration, including stabilising the economy through reforms, restoring confidence in monetary policy under CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, and ensuring more predictable federal allocations to states and local governments.
Tinubu also pointed to infrastructure development in transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation, alongside expanded social investment programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women and small businesses.
“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, Tinubu explained that the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 prioritises economic diversification, human capital development, private sector-led growth and climate resilience. He emphasised that its success depends on effective implementation at state and local government levels.
“We must move decisively from declarations to implementation through data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states and innovative financing models,” he said, expressing confidence that resolutions from the conference would advance agricultural diversification, livestock investment and ranching.
The President concluded by stressing that while the task ahead is challenging, the opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s development path is historic.
By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
