President Bola Tinubu on Monday vowed that Nigeria will overcome terrorism and banditry, calling the security threats “unacceptable” and alien to the nation’s values. He made the declaration while officially opening the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
Assuring Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security forces, President Tinubu said, “Seven zones of mechanisation are coming… we will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It’s not part of our culture. It’s foreign to us.”
The President described insecurity as a major economic hindrance and commended governors of Borno, Katsina, and Kaduna states for their efforts in defending freedom and liberty.
The two-day conference, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,” brought together state governors, ministers, lawmakers, development partners, and private sector leaders. President Tinubu described NEC as a key platform for policy coordination and economic governance.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the President noted economic reforms that have stabilized the economy, strengthened monetary policy, and increased predictable federal allocations to states and local governments. He also emphasized ongoing infrastructure development in transport, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation, as well as expanded social investment programs targeting vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses.
The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030, he explained, focuses on inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable growth, prioritizing economic diversification, human capital development, private sector-led growth, subnational competitiveness, and climate resilience. He stressed that the success of the plan hinges on effective implementation at state and local government levels, calling for data-driven decision-making, peer learning, and innovative financing models.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the conference resolutions would advance agricultural diversification, including dairy farming, livestock investment, and ranching, underscoring the historic opportunity before the nation despite the challenges.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), confirmed the statements in a press release on February 9, 2026.