INSECURITY: TINUBU VOWS TO DEFEAT TERRORISM, BANDITRY AS NEC CONFERENCE OPENS IN ABUJA

TINUBU VOWS TO DEFEAT TERRORISM, BANDITRY AS NEC CONFERENCE OPENS IN ABUJA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to overcoming terrorism and banditry in Nigeria, describing the security challenges as unacceptable and inconsistent with the nation’s values.

The President gave the assurance on Monday while declaring open the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Speaking before state governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, development partners and private sector leaders, Tinubu said his government is intensifying efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and restore peace to affected communities.

He stressed that insecurity remains a major obstacle to economic growth and national development, calling for collective responsibility in addressing the challenge.

According to the President, plans are underway to deepen mechanised agricultural development across the country, while simultaneously enhancing the capacity of security agencies to confront criminal activities.

Tinubu expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome terrorism and banditry through determination, resilience and sustained collaboration among all levels of government.

He commended the governors of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna states, alongside other state leaders, for their efforts in confronting insecurity and safeguarding lives and property.

The President described the two-day conference, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,” as a demonstration of collective commitment to national progress.

He also praised the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for providing a strategic platform for fiscal coordination and economic governance.

Highlighting achievements recorded since the commencement of his administration, Tinubu said recent economic reforms have helped stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.

He noted that Nigeria’s monetary policy reforms have attracted international recognition, while commending the Central Bank of Nigeria, under Governor Yemi Cardoso, for strengthening confidence in the country’s financial system.

The President said state and local governments are now receiving increased and more predictable federal allocations, improving their capacity to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure and deliver essential social services.

He added that the administration has prioritised infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation, alongside expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women and small businesses.

Tinubu further highlighted the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project, describing it as a grassroots-focused initiative designed to promote inclusive development through a bottom-up approach.

On the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030, the President said it represents the next phase of Nigeria’s development agenda, anchored on inclusive, resilient and environmentally sustainable growth.

He explained that the plan prioritises economic diversification, productivity, human capital development, subnational competitiveness, private sector-led growth and climate resilience.

According to him, effective implementation at the state and local government levels would be critical to the success of the plan, underscoring the central role of the National Economic Council in aligning national priorities with subnational realities.

The President expressed optimism that resolutions reached at the conference would drive agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock development and ranching initiatives.