President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday restated his administration’s commitment to eliminating poverty, terrorism and all forms of criminality in Nigeria.
Tinubu also said that towards this goal, his administration is currently implementing programmes and policies that would empower Nigerians to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality and terrorism.
The Nigerian President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of Cadets of the 70 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army) and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force) of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
In his address titled “The Heroes of Nigeria’s Path to Prosperity and Security,” President Tinubu said: “Every day, every minute, we are reminded of the consequences of economic and social disintegration around us. This is why we favour cooperation and the formation of bilateral and multilateral alliances to create opportunities for our people.
“We are implementing programmes and policies to empower our citizens to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality, and terrorism. From preparing for the food security crisis triggered by the Russian-Ukrainian war, to responding to banditry attacks on farmers, natural flood disasters, and the repercussions of military coups, this administration has remained vigilant in devising solutions to mitigate their impact and enhance national security.”
Tinubu stated that as part of moves “to deal decisively with the criminal elements,” his government has embarked on “a new era in the country’s national defence and security strategy.”
Though he did not give details of the strategy, the President said it would be driven by a resolute commitment to confront the substantial threats and challenges that confront us within the West African sub-region.
“I have directed all heads of defence and security institutions to unite in their efforts to protect our nation’s integrity and well-being, and as Chairman of the ECOWAS, we are diligently working to enhance our regional conflict management and development mechanisms.
“To forge a path towards greater peace, stability, and progress across West Africa and beyond is not negotiable.”
The President noted however that in tackling poverty inflicted on Nigerians by activities of the terror groups, he would treat every region equally and give them a sense of belonging in his government.
He stated: “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, justice is the mainstay of prosperity, and so we are going to be fair to each region. Whether in tackling the secessionist elements disrupting the peace and economic activities of the good people of the South-East or doubling up our efforts in winning the counter-insurgency in the North East, and whether in pursuing normalcy in the North-West or in making the farmer-herder crises a thing of the past in the North-Central, every group will be treated as equal and given a sense of belonging in our government.
“While I acknowledge that we have made bold decisions to bolster our economy, even as some developed economies face the threat of recession, our commitment remains resolute. We are intensifying our efforts to implement tangible measures that will alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates.
“Our immediate actions, such as reducing taxes on strategic manufacturing industries, distributing grains from the national reserve to vulnerable demographics, providing fertilizer and farm inputs, and extending soft loans to small and medium-scale industries, all serve as a clear message to our nation.”