President Bola Tinubu has said national security is essential to achieving Nigeria’s economic ambitions and long-term prosperity.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated this on Friday at the graduation ceremony of the National Defence College Course 34 in Abuja.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, President Tinubu said protecting lives and property was non-negotiable for economic development.
He said the Armed Forces and other security agencies were confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy and organised crime, assuring them of government support through improved equipment, training and resources.
“Peace creates room for enterprise, and enterprise enlarges the citizen’s stake in peace,” President Tinubu said, stressing that communities recovering from insecurity must be supported with economic opportunities.
The President also linked Africa’s security to economic transformation, calling for greater industrialisation, regional value chains and job creation for the continent’s growing youth population.
He said his administration was improving the business environment, promoting private investment and local production, while expanding infrastructure in roads, rail, ports, energy and digital connectivity.
President Tinubu urged the graduands to apply their training to national development and strengthen cooperation across Africa.
The Commandant of the college, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, said the participants underwent 47 weeks of training covering research, field tours, seminars and strategic defence management.
A total of 103 participants received certificates, including personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, government officials and 20 international participants. Awards were also presented to outstanding participants.