Banditry, Terrorism Unacceptable, Hurting Economy — Tinubu Speaks at NEC Conference

President Bola Tinubu on Monday described banditry and terrorism as foreign to Nigeria’s culture and a major threat to economic growth, pledging that his administration would take decisive steps to end the menace.

The President spoke at the opening of the two-day National Economic Council (NEC) conference held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where he vowed to strengthen the nation’s security architecture to defeat terrorists and bandits.

“To further find means to strengthen our security forces to defeat terrorism and combat banditry,” Tinubu said.

“That, I promise you, is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you that we will win with determination and resilience,” he added.

The President stressed that insecurity had no place in Nigeria’s values and must be urgently addressed.

“This banditry and terrorism are unacceptable. It is not part of our culture. It is foreign to us. It is an economic hindrance if we do not find an immediate solution,” he said.

Tinubu’s remarks come amid renewed concerns over violent attacks in several parts of the country, including a recent deadly assault on communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where scores of residents were killed and many others displaced. Similar attacks were also reported in parts of Katsina State on the same day.

At the conference, the President commended state governors for their efforts in tackling insecurity, singling out the governors of Borno and Katsina states for their commitment.

The President also linked the security challenges to ongoing livestock reforms, urging the NEC to adopt resolutions on ranching and livestock investment as a long-term solution to farmer-herder conflicts.

The President arrived at the conference venue at 12:12 pm on Monday and formally declared the second edition of the NEC conference open.

Vice President Shettima is presiding over the conference, convened by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, under the theme “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.”

The conference, scheduled for February 9 and 10, is expected to focus on key macroeconomic priorities, including fiscal coordination, investment mobilisation, and strengthened collaboration between federal and state governments.

Participants include state governors, senior government officials, development partners, and private-sector leaders, as the Federal Government continues efforts to deepen reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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