RismadarVoice Reporters
August 28, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the security of Nigerians remains non-negotiable and fundamental to achieving the country’s economic ambitions and sustainable prosperity.
The President stated this on Friday in Abuja at the graduation ceremony of participants of the National Defence College Course 34, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu said his administration considers the protection of lives and property as the foundation for business expansion, noting that its economic agenda is focused on stabilising macroeconomic fundamentals, strengthening local industries and attracting foreign investment.
He said the government would continue to support the Armed Forces and security agencies with equipment, training, resources and institutional backing to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy and organised crime.
The President said peace was essential for economic enterprise, stressing that communities recovering from insecurity must also receive opportunities to work, trade, learn and rebuild their livelihoods.
Tinubu further said Africa’s security would increasingly depend on productive economies, regional value chains, innovation and industries capable of providing employment for the continent’s growing youth population.
He said Nigeria remained committed to a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa, particularly as the African Continental Free Trade Area continues to deepen economic integration.
The President listed investments in agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, technology and defence industry among measures being pursued under the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a productive, diversified and competitive economy.
He said investments in roads, railways, ports, energy and digital connectivity would reduce costs, connect markets and strengthen national integration.
Tinubu urged graduands of Course 34 to use the knowledge and networks acquired at the National Defence College to deepen cooperation, understanding, peace and development across Africa and beyond.
He congratulated the 103 participants for their discipline, resilience and commitment, charging them to uphold the values of excellence, courage, patriotism and integrity.
Earlier, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, said the participants had undergone 47 weeks of intensive training involving research, field tours and seminar presentations on contemporary security and developmental challenges.
He said the graduands were expected to translate the knowledge and experience acquired during the programme into practical solutions to challenges confronting different sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The 103 participants comprised 33 from the Nigerian Army, 20 from the Nigerian Navy, nine from the Nigerian Air Force, four from the Nigeria Police Force, 17 from ministries, departments and agencies, and 20 international participants.
