No economic growth without security – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria cannot achieve significant economic growth without first ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. He stated this during the graduation ceremony for participants of the National Defence College Course 34, held in Abuja. A total of 103 individuals received certificates, including 33 Nigerian Army officers, 20 from the Nigerian Navy, nine from the Nigerian Air Force, four from the Nigeria Police Force, 17 from various ministries, departments, and agencies, and 20 international participants.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, pledged to bolster the Armed Forces and other security agencies with necessary equipment, training, and resources to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy, and organized crime. He stressed that securing our people is an essential duty alongside economic ambitions.

Tinubu highlighted that restoring security must be followed by creating economic opportunities for citizens to work, trade, and improve their livelihoods. He connected Nigeria's security challenges to the broader economic transformation required to create jobs and enhance living standards across Africa. The President called for industrialization fueled by the African Continental Free Trade Area, aiming to foster inclusive growth, reduce vulnerabilities, and strengthen Africa's bargaining power.

He reaffirmed the commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous, and economically integrated continent. The government is also focusing on domestic economic reforms, such as improving the business environment, attracting private investment, and promoting local production through investments in infrastructure like roads, railways, ports, energy, and digital connectivity.

Tinubu urged the graduates to apply their knowledge to tackle Nigeria's security and developmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of leveraging networks established during the course to promote cooperation, peace, and development across Africa.