President Bola Tinubu on Monday said Nigeria will overcome terrorism and banditry, describing the security threats as unacceptable and contrary to the country’s values, while pledging to further strengthen the nation’s security forces.
Tinubu made the remarks while declaring open the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. He said insecurity remains a major concern of his administration and an obstacle to economic development.
“We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It is not part of our culture. It is foreign to us,” the president said, assuring Nigerians of his resolve to restore peace to affected communities.
He said the federal government is working to reinforce security operations nationwide, including the establishment of seven zones of mechanisation, which he said would be delivered as part of broader efforts to stabilise the country.
Tinubu described insecurity as a major economic hindrance and called for collective action to address it. He commended the governors of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna states, among others, for their efforts in confronting security challenges.
The president was speaking at the two-day conference themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030.” The event brought together state governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, development partners and private sector leaders.
Tinubu said the conference reflected a shared commitment to national development and praised the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for providing a platform for policy coordination and strategic dialogue.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, Tinubu said economic reforms introduced since he took office have helped stabilise the economy and restore confidence. He said Nigeria’s monetary policy reforms have gained international recognition and commended the Central Bank of Nigeria, under Governor Yemi Cardoso, for improving confidence in the financial system.
He said state and local governments are now receiving increased and more predictable federal allocations, enabling them to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure and deliver social services.
Tinubu said his administration has prioritised infrastructure development in transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation, alongside expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women and small businesses.
He also highlighted grassroots initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project, which he said reflects a bottom-up approach to national development.
According to the president, the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 represents the next phase of Nigeria’s development, with a focus on inclusive, resilient and environmentally sustainable growth.
He said the plan prioritises economic diversification, human capital development, subnational competitiveness, private sector-led growth and climate resilience, adding that effective implementation at state and local government levels would be critical to its success.
Tinubu expressed confidence that resolutions from the conference would support agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment and ranching, and said the opportunity before the nation remains historic despite existing challenges.
