President Bola Tinubu has declared that protecting Nigerian lives is a non-negotiable foundation for the country’s economic growth, telling graduating officers that safety and prosperity are inseparable goals for his administration.
The President made the remarks on Friday in Abuja at the graduation ceremony for participants of National Defence College Course 34.
He was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who read his address on his behalf.
Tinubu explained that his government’s economic strategy, centered on stabilizing the macroeconomy, growing local industry and drawing foreign investment, rests on the understanding that safety is essential for business to thrive.
He stressed that the armed forces and security agencies remain committed to tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and organized crime, saying the government would continue supplying the equipment, training and institutional backing needed for their work.
The president said peace creates room for enterprise, and enterprise enlarges the citizen’s stake in peace.
Echoing themes raised by former President Goodluck Jonathan in an earlier lecture at the college, Tinubu argued that Africa’s long-term security is tied to building productive economies, strong regional trade links, and industries capable of absorbing the continent’s growing youth population.
He linked this to the ongoing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, insisting that industrialization must underpin inclusive growth and strengthen the continent’s collective bargaining power.
Detailing reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda, the president pointed to efforts at improving the business climate, boosting local value addition, and expanding infrastructure across roads, railways, ports, energy and digital networks.
He said these investments help lower costs, link markets together, and reinforce national unity, while government is also building capacity in agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, technology and the defence industry.
Addressing the 103 graduating officers, Tinubu noted that the course drew participants from the Armed Forces, Police, public institutions and allied nations, reflecting what he called the broad scope demanded by modern statecraft.
He urged them to use the relationships built during the programme to advance cooperation and peace across Africa, commending their discipline and resilience while charging them to uphold the college’s values of excellence, courage, patriotism and integrity.
Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, Commandant of the National Defence College, said in his remarks that the president’s attendance, through his deputy, reflected the administration’s commitment to developing strategic leadership for national security.
He noted that participants had spent 47 weeks in an intensive programme involving research, field tours and seminars focused on pressing security and development issues, and said they are expected to apply what they learned to real challenges facing Nigeria’s economy.
Among the graduating class were 33 participants from the Nigerian Army, 20 from the Navy, 9 from the Air Force, 4 from the Police, 17 from federal ministries, departments and agencies, and 20 international participants, with special awards presented to standout graduands.
