President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria would defeat terrorism and banditry, describing the security threats as “unacceptable” and alien to the nation’s core values.
Declaring open the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Monday, President Tinubu assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to strengthen the country’s security forces and restore peace across affected communities.
“I promise you here that I’ll play my part. Seven zones of mechanisation are coming. I promise Nigerians that this will be delivered, and I am here again to further find ways to strengthen our security forces and defeat terrorism.
“That, I promise you, is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you we will win with determination and resilience. We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It’s not part of our culture. It’s foreign to us,” he said.
The President described insecurity as an economic hindrance, stressing that all hands must be on deck to find an immediate solution.
He particularly commended the governors of Borno, Katsina and Kaduna states, as well as others, for doing “so much to defend our freedom, liberty and our commonwealth,” he added.
Welcoming state governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, 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,” President Tinubu described the gathering as a reflection of collective dedication to national progress.
He praised the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for sustaining a vital platform for policy coordination and strategic dialogue.
“I am pleased to address the second edition of the National Economic Council Conference at a critical moment in Nigeria’s development journey. NEC remains a cornerstone of fiscal federalism and economic governance in our country,” he said.
Highlighting the key achievements of his administration thus far, President Tinubu said the economic reforms undertaken since inception have helped stabilise the economy and restore confidence.
“I must say again at this juncture, the monetary policy that we have embarked on since the reforms has yielded positive results and gained recognition around the world,” he noted.
He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria under Governor Yemi Cardoso for restoring confidence in Nigeria’s monetary policy.
President Tinubu said state and local governments now receive increased, more predictable federal allocations, enhancing their capacity to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure, and deliver social services.
He added that infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation has been prioritised.
The President also highlighted expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women and small businesses, alongside grassroots-focused initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Renewed Hope Ward Development Project further demonstrates our commitment to grassroots inclusion through a bottom-up approach to national development.
“These successes reflect strong collaboration among the federal and state governments, development partners and the private sector,” he said.
In the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030, President Tinubu explained that it represents the next phase of Nigeria’s national journey, anchored in inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable growth.
“The Plan prioritises economic diversification and productivity; human capital development; subnational competitiveness based on comparative advantage; private sector-led growth; and climate resilience.
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, AT THE SECOND EDITION OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL (NEC) CONFERENCE, STATE HOUSE, ABUJA
9 February 2026
• Distinguished Vice President and Chairman of the National Economic Council,
• Your Excellencies, State Governors and Deputy Governors,
• Honourable Ministers,
• Members of the National Assembly,
• Development Partners, Private Sector Leaders,
• Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to address this Second Edition of the National Economic Council Conference at a critical moment in Nigeria’s development journey.
I commend the National Economic Council, under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, for sustaining this vital platform for strategic dialogue, policy coordination, and collective action across national and subnational governments. NEC remains a cornerstone of fiscal federalism and economic governance in our country.
The theme of this Conference — “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030” — speaks directly to our national aspirations. It reflects our resolve to move from recovery to transformation, and from narrow growth to one that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. We face inherited structural challenges, including macroeconomic imbalances, infrastructure deficits, unemployment, poverty, climate vulnerabilities, and limited fiscal space. Yet, our people possess the resilience, creativity, and determination to overcome these realities.
Since the inception of this administration, we have undertaken bold and necessary reforms to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, and lay the foundation for long-term growth. These reforms are instruments for delivering prosperity, dignity, and opportunity to all Nigerians.
We have recorded notable achievements that reflect our commitment to cooperative federalism and inclusive development. First, states and local governments now receive increased and more predictable FAAC allocations, improving their capacity to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure, and deliver social services.
Second, we have strengthened macroeconomic stability through improved revenue performance, stronger public financial management, and enhanced fiscal coordination.
Third, we have prioritised infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation as a catalyst for inclusive growth.
Fourth, we have expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses.
The Renewed Hope Ward Development Project further demonstrates our commitment to grassroots inclusion through a bottom-up approach to national development. These successes reflect strong collaboration among federal and state governments, development partners, and the private sector.
The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 marks the next phase of our national journey. It is evidence-based, realistic, and anchored on inclusive, balanced, and environmentally sustainable growth.
The Plan prioritises economic diversification and productivity; human capital development; subnational competitiveness based on comparative advantage; private sector–led growth; and climate resilience. Its success will depend largely on effective implementation at the state and local government levels, making NEC central to aligning national priorities with subnational realities.
This Conference has reinforced collaboration, shared accountability, and a focus on practical solutions and measurable outcomes. We must move decisively from declarations to implementation through data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states, and innovative financing models.
Nigeria’s diversity is our strength. When every state grows, Nigeria grows. When growth reaches the poorest households, national stability is strengthened. When development is sustainable, our children inherit hope.
The task before us is demanding, but the opportunity is historic. The Renewed Hope Agenda is a national compact — a promise that the sacrifices of Nigerians will lead to a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation.
I am confident that the resolutions of this Conference will accelerate inclusive growth and sustainable national development.
On this note, I hereby declare open the Second Edition of the National Economic Council Conference.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
