President Bola Tinubu on Monday vowed that Nigeria would overcome terrorism and banditry, describing the security challenges confronting the country 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, the president said his administration remained resolute in strengthening the nation’s security forces and restoring peace in affected communities.
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“We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It’s not part of our culture. It’s foreign to us,” Tinubu said. “I assure you we will win with determination and resilience.”
The president said insecurity continues to hinder economic growth, stressing that collective action was needed to urgently address the problem.
“I promise you here that I’ll play my part,” he said. “Seven zones of mechanisation are coming. I promise Nigerians that this will be delivered, and I am here again to further find ways to strengthen our security forces and defeat terrorism.”
Tinubu commended the governors of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna states, alongside others, for what he described as their efforts in defending Nigeria’s freedom and stability.
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,” the president said the gathering reflected a shared commitment to national progress.
He praised the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for providing a platform for policy coordination and strategic dialogue.
“NEC remains a cornerstone of fiscal federalism and economic governance in our country,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting achievements recorded since his administration assumed office, the president said ongoing economic reforms had helped stabilise the economy and restore confidence.
“The monetary policy that we have embarked on since the reforms has yielded positive results and gained recognition around the world,” he said, commending the Central Bank of Nigeria under Governor Yemi Cardoso for restoring confidence in monetary policy.
Tinubu said state and local governments were now receiving increased and more predictable federal allocations, improving their ability to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure and deliver social services.
He added that his administration had prioritised infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation, while expanding social investment and human capital programmes for vulnerable households, youths, 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,” the president said.
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.
“The plan prioritises economic diversification and productivity; human capital development; subnational competitiveness based on comparative advantage; private sector-led growth; and climate resilience,” Tinubu said, adding that effective implementation at state and local government levels would be crucial.
He expressed confidence that outcomes from the conference would boost agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment and ranching.
“This conference has reinforced collaboration, shared accountability and a focus on practical solutions and measurable outcomes,” Tinubu said. “We must move decisively from declarations to implementation.”
