TINUBU VOWS TOTAL VICTORY OVER TERRORISM, BANDITRY; UNVEILS SECURITY, ECONOMIC PUSH AT NEC CONFERENCE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering resolve to defeat terrorism and banditry, declaring the threats “unacceptable” and alien to Nigeria’s values.

Speaking on Monday while declaring open the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President assured Nigerians that decisive steps are underway to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and restore peace to affected communities.

“I promise you here that I will play my part. 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,” President Tinubu said.

Describing insecurity as a major economic constraint, the President stressed the urgency of collective action. “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,” he added.

President Tinubu commended the governors of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna states, alongside others, for their efforts in safeguarding lives and property, noting their commitment to defending Nigeria’s freedom, liberty and commonwealth.

Welcoming 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 described the forum as a testament to shared responsibility for national progress.
He praised the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for sustaining a critical platform for policy coordination and strategic dialogue, describing NEC as a cornerstone of fiscal federalism and economic governance.

Highlighting achievements of his administration, President Tinubu said ongoing economic reforms have stabilised the economy and restored investor confidence. He noted that Nigeria’s monetary policy has gained global recognition and commended the Central Bank of Nigeria, under Governor Yemi Cardoso, for rebuilding confidence in the financial system.

The President stated that state and local governments now enjoy increased and more predictable federal allocations, improving their ability to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure and deliver essential social services. He added that his administration has prioritised infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation.

President Tinubu also outlined expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women and small businesses, alongside grassroots-focused initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project.

Explaining the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030, the President said it marks the next phase of Nigeria’s development journey, anchored on inclusive, resilient and environmentally sustainable growth. He identified its priorities to include economic diversification and productivity, human capital development, subnational competitiveness, private sector-led growth and climate resilience.

“The success of this Plan will depend largely on effective implementation at the state and local government levels, making NEC central to aligning national priorities with subnational realities,” he said.

President Tinubu urged participants to move from declarations to action through data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states and innovative financing, expressing confidence that conference resolutions would advance agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment and ranching.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, the President described the moment as historic, expressing optimism that collective resolve would deliver lasting security and sustainable national development.