Tinubu Vows to Defeat Terrorism, Says Insecurity Threatens Nigeria’s Economy
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending terrorism and banditry in Nigeria, warning that persistent insecurity remains a major obstacle to economic growth and national development.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President described the security challenges facing the country as unacceptable and contrary to Nigeria’s values, assuring citizens that the government is determined to restore peace across affected communities.
President Tinubu said his administration is intensifying efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, stressing that defeating terrorism has remained a top priority.
“I promise Nigerians that I will play my part. We are working to further strengthen our security forces and defeat terrorism. This challenge has kept us all sleepless, but with determination and resilience, we will win,” he said.
He added that terrorism and banditry are alien to Nigeria’s culture and must be eliminated to safeguard freedom, liberty and economic prosperity.
The President noted that insecurity has continued to hinder economic activities, calling for collective action from all levels of government to achieve lasting solutions. He commended the governors of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna states, among others, for their efforts in confronting security threats in their respective states.
Welcoming governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, development partners and private sector leaders to the two-day conference, President Tinubu described the gathering as a demonstration of shared commitment to national progress. The conference is themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030.”
He praised the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for providing a critical platform for policy coordination and strategic dialogue, describing the council as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s fiscal federalism and economic governance.
Highlighting achievements recorded since his administration assumed office, President Tinubu said recent economic reforms have helped stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.
He said monetary policy reforms have gained international recognition and commended the Central Bank of Nigeria, under Governor Yemi Cardoso, for rebuilding confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
According to the President, state and local governments now receive higher and more predictable federal allocations, enabling them to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure and improve service delivery. He added that infrastructure development in transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation has been prioritised.
President Tinubu also pointed to expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women and small businesses, alongside grassroots initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project.
He explained that the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 represents the next phase of Nigeria’s development journey, with a focus on inclusive, resilient and environmentally sustainable growth.
The plan, he said, prioritises economic diversification, human capital development, subnational competitiveness, private sector-led growth and climate resilience, stressing that effective implementation at state and local government levels will be crucial to its success.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that resolutions from the conference would drive agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment and ranching, noting that while the challenges are significant, the opportunities before the nation are historic.
