President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to defeat terrorism and banditry, describing the security threats as unacceptable and alien to Nigeria’s cultural values.
The President gave the assurance while declaring open the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, where he also outlined his vision for Nigeria’s next phase of development under the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030.
Tinubu said restoring peace across the country remains a top priority of his administration, stressing that insecurity continues to pose a major obstacle to economic growth and national prosperity.
“I promise Nigerians that we will strengthen our security forces and defeat terrorism and banditry. It is unacceptable. It is not part of our culture; it is foreign to us. Though it has kept many of us sleepless, we will overcome it with determination and resilience,” the President said.
He added that seven zones of agricultural mechanisation are being rolled out nationwide as part of broader efforts to strengthen food security and economic stability.
The President commended governors, particularly those of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna states, for their efforts in safeguarding lives and property, noting that security challenges require collective action at all levels of government.
Turning to economic reforms, Tinubu said the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 represents the next major phase of Nigeria’s development journey, stressing that its success would largely depend on effective implementation by state and local governments.
While the Federal Government would provide national policy direction, he said tangible outcomes must be delivered at the subnational level, where development directly impacts citizens.
He praised the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as a vital platform for policy coordination, strategic dialogue and collaboration between federal and subnational governments.
According to the President, the conference theme“Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030”—captures Nigeria’s determination to move from economic recovery to transformation, and from narrow growth to inclusive and sustainable development.
Tinubu acknowledged the structural challenges inherited by his administration, including macroeconomic imbalances, infrastructure deficits, unemployment, poverty, climate risks and limited fiscal space. However, he said Nigeria’s resilience remains strong, noting that his government has implemented bold reforms to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.
He highlighted improved and more predictable FAAC allocations to states and local governments, saying the increased inflows have strengthened their capacity to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure and deliver essential social services.
The President also cited improved revenue performance, stronger public financial management and enhanced fiscal coordination as key achievements contributing to macroeconomic stability.
According to him, infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation remains central to inclusive growth, alongside expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, women, youths and small businesses.
He added that the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project was designed to deepen grassroots inclusion through a bottom-up approach to national development.
Describing the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 as evidence-based and realistic, Tinubu said it prioritises economic diversification, productivity, human capital development, subnational competitiveness, private sector-led growth and climate resilience.
He stressed that the plan’s success would be measured by how effectively state and local governments translate national priorities into real improvements in people’s lives.
Urging leaders to move beyond policy declarations, the President called for data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states and innovative financing models to accelerate development.
“Nigeria’s diversity is our strength. When every state grows, Nigeria grows,” he said, expressing confidence that the conference resolutions would drive inclusive growth and sustainable national development.