Tinubu vows to defeat terrorism, says insecurity hindering economic growth

President Bola Tinubu has pledged decisive action against insecurity in the country.

Tinubu spoke on Monday while delivering his address at the second edition of the National Economic Council (NEC) conference.

The president said insecurity has continued to affect Nigerians and undermine economic progress.

“I believe we are here again to further find means to strengthen our security forces, to defeat terrorism and combat banditry,” Tinubu said.

“That, I promise you, is what affects all of us; sleepless nights. But I assure you that we will win with determination and resilience.”

Tinubu said terrorism and banditry are alien to Nigeria’s culture and must be defeated.

“We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry; it is not part of our culture,” he said.

The president warned that failure to urgently address insecurity would continue to hinder economic development.

“It’s an economic hindrance if we do not find immediate solution to it,” he said.

Tinubu commended some state governors, including those of Borno and Kaduna, for their efforts in tackling insecurity.

He said the federal government would continue to work with states to restore peace, while protecting lives and property.

The president said strengthening security is central to achieving inclusive growth and the objectives of the Renewed Hope national development plan.

Tinubu commended the council, chaired by Kashim Shettima, the vice-president, for sustaining a platform for policy coordination and strategic dialogue.

The president said economic reforms introduced by his administration have helped to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.

“I must say again at this juncture, the monetary policy that we have embarked on since the reforms has yielded positive results and gained recognition around the world,” he said.

Tinubu also commended the Central Bank of Nigeria under Yemi Cardoso, the CBN governor, for restoring confidence in Nigeria’s monetary policy framework.

He said state and local governments now receive increased and more predictable federal allocations, strengthening their ability to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure and deliver social services.

The president said his administration has prioritised infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation.

Tinubu also highlighted the expansion of social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women and small businesses.

He said grassroots-focused initiatives under the Renewed Hope agenda reflect the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.

“The Renewed Hope Ward Development Project further demonstrates our commitment to grassroots inclusion through a bottom-up approach to national development,” he said.

“These successes reflect strong collaboration among the federal and state governments, development partners and the private sector.”

Tinubu said the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 represents the next phase of Nigeria’s development journey.

He said the plan is anchored on inclusive, resilient and environmentally sustainable growth.

“The plan prioritises economic diversification and productivity; human capital development; subnational competitiveness based on comparative advantage; private sector-led growth; and climate resilience,” Tinubu said.

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

Tinubu said the conference reinforced collaboration, shared accountability and a focus on practical solutions and measurable outcomes.

“We must move decisively from declarations to implementation through data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states and innovative financing models,” he said.

The president said while the task before the nation is demanding, the opportunity remains historic.

He expressed confidence that resolutions from the conference would advance agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment and ranching.(The cable)