No economic growth without security – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu asserted that Nigeria cannot achieve substantial economic growth without first guaranteeing the security of its citizens' lives and property, emphasizing that peace and stability are fundamental prerequisites for businesses to thrive.

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Our economic ambitions accompany the duty to secure our people. The Armed Forces and security agencies continue to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy and organised criminality with courage and professionalism. Government will provide equipment, training, resources and institutional support for their constitutional duties.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for participants of the National Defence College Course 34 in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening security agencies. He stated that the Armed Forces and other security bodies will continue to receive necessary equipment, training, and resources to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy, and organized crime.

"Our economic ambitions accompany the duty to secure our people," Tinubu said in a statement. He added that when communities regain security, economic opportunities must follow, as stability grows where people can work, trade, learn, and hope. The President linked the nation's security challenges to the wider economic transformation required across Africa, noting that the continent's long-term security depends on productive economies, regional value chains, innovation, and industries capable of employing its growing youth population.

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Peace creates room for enterprise, and enterprise enlarges the citizen’s stake in peace. When communities recover security, opportunity must follow, because stability grows where people can work, trade, learn and hope.

Tinubu also advocated for industrialization driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area to promote inclusive growth, reduce structural vulnerabilities, and enhance Africa's collective bargaining power. Domestically, he affirmed the administration's focus on improving the business environment, attracting private investment, and promoting local production through investments in infrastructure like roads and railways.

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Africa’s security will increasingly depend on productive economies, regional value chains, innovation, and industries capable of employing its young population.