A rare admission from the presidency
Addressing delegates at the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference in Abuja, Bola Tinubu offered an unusually personal reflection on the country’s security crisis, saying terrorism and banditry have become sources of sleepless nights for him and many Nigerians.
He described the threats as unacceptable and alien to Nigeria’s values, assuring that his administration would intensify efforts to restore peace across communities under pressure.
Security framed as an economic problem
Tinubu linked insecurity directly to economic stagnation, arguing that persistent violence disrupts farming, trade and investment. He said defeating terrorism was not only about restoring safety but also about unlocking growth under the administration’s broader reform agenda.
“This is not part of our culture. It is foreign to us,” the president said, pledging determination and resilience in confronting armed groups.
Promises of coordination and delivery
The president told participants that new mechanisation zones were being rolled out and that security forces would be further strengthened. He praised governors in frontline states for their efforts and called for tighter coordination between federal and subnational authorities to deliver results.
The NEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, was described as central to aligning national security priorities with economic planning at state and local levels.
A conference backdrop of urgency
The remarks came as the NEC conference opened under the theme of inclusive growth and sustainable development. Tinubu said recent economic reforms had stabilised key indicators and restored confidence, but stressed that progress would remain fragile without improved security.
Delegates included governors, ministers, lawmakers, development partners and private sector leaders, underscoring the administration’s push for shared responsibility in addressing national challenges.
Communities still under strain
Despite official assurances, large parts of the country continue to face violence linked to insurgency, banditry and communal conflict. Recent attacks and abductions in several states have intensified public concern, placing renewed scrutiny on government promises and timelines.
Tinubu acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, insisting that decisive action — not rhetoric — would determine success.
What delivery will be judged on
The president’s pledge sets a clear test for the months ahead. If security improves, economic reforms may gain traction and public confidence. If violence persists, insecurity will continue to erode livelihoods and trust in government capacity.
For now, Tinubu has placed the issue squarely at the centre of his presidency — and tied its resolution to Nigeria’s broader economic future.
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