Tinubu: Securing Lives Non-negotiable for Nigeria's Economic Ambitions

President Bola Tinubu declared that securing the lives of Nigerians is non-negotiable and forms the fundamental bedrock for achieving the nation's economic ambitions and lasting prosperity. Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the National Defence College Course 34 graduation in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that his administration views the safety and protection of lives as the essential baseline for business expansion.

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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.

The president stated that the government's broader economic plan focuses on stabilizing macroeconomic fundamentals, boosting local industry, and attracting foreign investment. He affirmed that strengthening the nation's armed forces and neutralizing criminal elements, bandits, and terrorists remain central to the government's focus. "Government will provide equipment, training, resources and institutional support for their constitutional duties," he assured.

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Government will provide equipment, training, resources and institutional support for their constitutional duties. Peace creates room for enterprise, and enterprise enlarges the citizen’s stake in peace.

Tinubu also connected Africa's security to its economic development, echoing remarks from a recent lecture. He argued that "Africa's security will increasingly depend on productive economies, regional value chains, innovation, and industries capable of employing its young population." As the African Continental Free Trade Area deepens integration, he insisted that industrialization must drive inclusive growth and enlarge the continent's bargaining power, reiterating Nigeria's commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa.

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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.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the administration is pursuing reforms for a productive, diversified, and competitive economy. This includes improving conditions for enterprise, encouraging private investment, promoting local value addition, and expanding infrastructure in transportation, energy, and digital connectivity. These investments aim to reduce costs, connect markets, and reinforce national integration, while strengthening capacity in key sectors like agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, technology, and the defense industry.

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Industrialisation must drive inclusive growth, reduce structural vulnerability and enlarge continental bargaining power.