Tinubu Vows to Crush Terrorism, Tells Governors: Nigeria’s Future Depends on Action at the Grassroots

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that terrorism and banditry ravaging parts of Nigeria will be decisively defeated, describing the violence as “unacceptable” and alien to the nation’s values.
The President made the declaration on Monday while opening the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where he also issued a strong charge to governors and local government leaders to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible development at the grassroots.
Addressing security concerns, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration remains resolute in strengthening the country’s security architecture and restoring peace to communities affected by insurgency, banditry and violent crime.
“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,” the President said.
He described insecurity as both a moral outrage and a major economic obstacle, stressing that violence undermines investment, disrupts livelihoods and stalls national development.
“That 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,” Tinubu declared.
The President commended governors in frontline states such as Borno, Katsina and Kaduna, praising their efforts to defend “our freedom, liberty and our commonwealth” amid persistent security challenges.
Turning to the economy, Tinubu said the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 marks the next chapter of Nigeria’s development journey, one that places greater responsibility on states and local governments.
While the Federal Government would continue to provide national direction, he stressed that the real dividends Nigerians expect — jobs, infrastructure, social services and improved living standards — would largely depend on effective implementation at the subnational level.
“The theme of this conference, ‘Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,’ reflects our resolve to move from recovery to transformation, and from narrow growth to inclusive, resilient and sustainable development,” he said.
Tinubu described the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, as a critical platform for strategic dialogue, policy coordination and collective action across Nigeria’s federal system.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s structural challenges, including macroeconomic imbalances, infrastructure deficits, unemployment, poverty, climate vulnerabilities and limited fiscal space, but said the country’s resilience remains strong.
According to him, bold reforms implemented since his administration took office have helped stabilise the economy, restore confidence and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
He cited increased and more predictable FAAC allocations to states and local governments, improved revenue performance, stronger public financial management and enhanced fiscal coordination as key achievements.
The President said infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation remains a priority, alongside expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women and small businesses.
At the grassroots level, Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project was designed to deepen inclusion through a bottom-up approach to national development.
He described the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 as evidence-based and realistic, anchored on inclusive, balanced and environmentally sustainable growth, with priorities including economic diversification, human capital development, private sector-led growth and climate resilience.
However, he warned that the plan’s success would be judged by how effectively states and councils translate national priorities into real improvements in people’s lives.
“Nigeria’s diversity is our strength. When every state grows, Nigeria grows,” Tinubu said, urging leaders to embrace data-driven decision-making, peer learning and innovative financing.
Earlier, Vice President Shettima set the tone for the conference, stressing that economic growth must be felt in the everyday lives of Nigerians, not just reflected in statistics.
“Our mission is incomplete if progress does not translate into dignity, opportunity and hope for our people,” Shettima said, adding that NEC remains the most effective platform for delivering inclusive development.
Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, said states are central to shaping macroeconomic outcomes and pledged their commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda.
Also speaking, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said sustained cooperation between federal and state governments is essential to achieving Nigeria’s long-term goal of building a trillion-dollar economy.