Securing lives of Nigerians non-negotiable, key to economic growth — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu emphasized that ensuring the safety and protection of lives is essential for Nigeria's economic growth and prosperity, speaking at the graduation ceremony of the National Defence College Course 34 in Abuja. Strengthening the armed forces and neutralizing criminal elements, bandits, and terrorists are central to the government's focus, according to Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He highlighted that the government will provide equipment, training, resources, and institutional support to enable the security agencies to carry out their constitutional duties effectively. Tinubu also stressed that peace creates an environment for enterprise and that when communities regain security, opportunity must follow. He linked national stability directly to economic opportunities, asserting that peace is necessary for business expansion.

Tinubu further emphasized that industrialization, driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area, should promote inclusive growth, reduce structural vulnerabilities, and enhance Africa's bargaining power. He outlined ongoing domestic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a more productive and diversified economy, including improving conditions for enterprise, encouraging private investment, promoting local value addition, and expanding infrastructure such as roads, railways, ports, energy, and digital connectivity.

Tinubu urged the graduates to deepen cooperation, understanding, peace, and development across Africa and beyond, emphasizing the college's values of excellence, courage, patriotism, and integrity.