President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will overcome terrorism and banditry, describing the threats as unacceptable and contrary to the nation’s values.
Speaking on Monday while declaring open the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President assured Nigerians that his administration is determined to strengthen security forces and restore peace in affected communities.
“I promise Nigerians that we will defeat terrorism and banditry. It is not part of our culture. It is foreign to us,” Tinubu said.
He revealed that plans are underway to establish seven zones of mechanisation as part of broader efforts to support security and economic stability, noting that insecurity remains a major obstacle to development.
The President commended governors of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna states, alongside others, for their efforts in confronting security challenges in their regions.
Welcoming governors, ministers, lawmakers, development partners and private sector leaders to the two-day conference themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,” Tinubu described the gathering as a demonstration of shared commitment to national progress.
He praised the NEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for serving as a key platform for fiscal coordination and policy dialogue.
Highlighting his administration’s economic reforms, the President said recent monetary policies have helped stabilise the economy and rebuild investor confidence.
“The monetary policy reforms we embarked on have yielded positive results and gained recognition globally,” he noted, commending the Central Bank of Nigeria under Governor Yemi Cardoso.
Tinubu said increased and more predictable federal allocations to states and local governments are enabling subnational authorities to meet salary obligations, invest in infrastructure and improve social services.
He listed ongoing investments in transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation, alongside expanded social programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women and small businesses.
The President also pointed to the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project as an example of grassroots-focused governance through a bottom-up development approach.
According to him, the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 represents the next phase of Nigeria’s development, prioritising economic diversification, human capital development, private sector-led growth, and climate resilience.
Tinubu stressed that the success of the plan depends heavily on effective implementation at state and local government levels, making NEC central to aligning national and subnational priorities.
He expressed optimism that deliberations at the conference would advance agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment and ranching.
“While the task is challenging, the opportunity before us is historic. We must move from declarations to implementation,” the President said.
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