President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s security situation, saying terrorism and banditry have continued to give him and millions of Nigerians sleepless nights.
Despite the grim assessment, the President declared that the country would overcome the security challenges, describing terrorism and banditry as unacceptable and alien to Nigeria’s culture and values.
Tinubu spoke while declaring open the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. He assured Nigerians of his administration’s firm resolve to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and restore peace to troubled communities.
“I promise you here that I will play my part,” the President said. “Seven zones of mechanisation are coming, and I assure Nigerians that this will be delivered. I am here again to further find ways to strengthen our security forces and defeat terrorism.
“That 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 is not part of our culture; it is foreign to us.”
The President described insecurity as a major obstacle to economic growth, stressing the need for collective action to achieve lasting solutions. He commended governors, particularly those of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna states, for their efforts in defending lives, property and national unity.
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,” Tinubu described the gathering as a testament to shared commitment to national progress.
He praised the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for providing a critical platform for policy coordination and strategic dialogue, describing NEC as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s fiscal federalism and economic governance.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, Tinubu said recent economic reforms have helped stabilise the economy and restore confidence, noting that Nigeria’s monetary policy has earned international recognition. He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria under Governor Yemi Cardoso for restoring confidence in the financial system.
The President noted that increased and more predictable federal allocations to states and local governments have enhanced their capacity to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure and deliver social services. He added that infrastructure development in transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation has been prioritised, alongside expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable groups.
According to him, the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 represents the next phase of Nigeria’s development journey, anchored on inclusive, resilient and environmentally sustainable growth. He said its success would depend largely 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,” Tinubu said.
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima called for deeper collaboration among the three tiers of government, describing NEC as a decisive forum for shaping Nigeria’s economic direction through consensus and quality ideas. He urged members to prioritise poverty reduction, job creation, fiscal sustainability and stronger inter-regional trade.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and convener of the conference, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said sustained intergovernmental cooperation was essential to achieving Nigeria’s long-term economic goals, noting that recent reforms had strengthened fiscal conditions and boosted international confidence.
Representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasised the role of states in driving macroeconomic outcomes and called for disciplined and socially legitimate implementation of reforms.
Participants from the private sector and development partners echoed calls for stronger partnerships, stressing that Nigeria’s economic progress would depend on coordinated execution across federal, state and community levels.
