President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their successes in the fight against insurgency and criminality, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity through both military strength and economic reforms.
Speaking at the plenary session on Peace and Stability at the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan, Tinubu said the heroism of Nigeria’s security forces must be complemented by government courage in addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“Nigeria’s brave armed forces can win any number of battles, but we do justice to their heroism only when we, as government, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the underlying causes,” the President stated.
He emphasized that inclusivity, diversity, and adherence to the rule of law remain Nigeria’s greatest strengths, noting that the current momentum in the armed forces would serve as a springboard for stability and national development.
The Nigerian leader also used the platform to call for reforms in global governance institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to ensure fairer representation for Africa. He reiterated Nigeria’s support for the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which demand two permanent seats with veto powers and additional non-permanent seats for the continent.
At the conference’s opening ceremony, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba underscored Japan’s commitment to Africa’s development, pledging up to $5.5 billion in support through a collaborative framework with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The funds will prioritize private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
Prime Minister Ishiba, while outlining Japan’s challenges of declining population and shrinking agricultural land, pointed to Africa’s youthful population as a strength that could drive manufacturing and economic transformation.
“There is so much growing young population in Africa, but for the power of young people to flourish, you need to create industries and employment. This is essential for Africa’s future growth,” he said.
President Tinubu further urged African leaders and development partners to embrace market-driven cooperation instead of depending on aid and handouts. He stressed that peace and stability remain the foundation for sustainable development, citing recent peace pacts in the Congo as an example of how linking mediation outcomes with investment could deliver long-term success.
“We should be under no illusions about the scale of our task, but we must also not underestimate our achievements. Peace requires fresh thinking, bold reforms, and genuine collaboration across nations,” Tinubu said.
The TICAD 9 summit brings together African leaders, Japan, and international partners to strengthen political, economic, and social cooperation for the continent’s growth.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
August 20, 2025
