President Bola Tinubu has pledged to utilise his constitutional powers to continue equipping, arming, and empowering the Nigerian military in the face of the nation’s complex security and development challenges.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for Course 32 participants at the National Defence College, Abuja, on Friday, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stressed the significance of strategic leadership in addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues. He highlighted the progress made by his administration but acknowledged that more work remains, particularly regarding the infrastructure at the National Defence College’s permanent site in Piwoyi, Abuja.
Reaffirming his commitment, President Tinubu stated, “Under my watch, members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have made remarkable sacrifices and recorded significant achievements in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and securing the lives and properties of our citizens. I will continue to do everything within my constitutional powers to ensure that the Nigerian military is well-resourced and fit for purpose.”
The President also expressed his gratitude to the graduates of Course 32 for their contributions to research, particularly in providing strategic options for harnessing Nigeria’s mining industry to enhance national security and development. “We are already working on the fundamentals of your recommendations as we strive to achieve our golden era scenario, supported by robust security assets and institutional reforms,” he added.
Praising the National Defence College’s unique approach to consolidating knowledge through broad thematic areas, President Tinubu noted that it has contributed to finding sustainable solutions to national security and development challenges in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
During his address, the President highlighted several significant steps his administration has taken to tackle the nation’s challenges. This includes implementing a new national minimum wage, benefiting not only civilian workers but also personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He further emphasised ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. “I have tasked the Defence Headquarters and other security agencies to eliminate crude oil theft as swiftly as possible. This will boost oil and gas production, contributing to our desired economic stability,” Tinubu asserted. He also mentioned efforts to create a favourable business environment that encourages value addition in Nigeria’s mining sector, working in partnership with international allies.
President Tinubu urged the Course 32 graduates to uphold values of excellence, courage, patriotism, and integrity, and to apply their newly acquired skills in tackling Nigeria’s diverse challenges.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant of the National Defence College, highlighted the role of the 111 graduates in strengthening Nigeria’s strategic leadership across various sectors. He remarked, “Our mission is to develop future strategic leaders with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills to effectively harness national power in a dynamic defence and security environment.”
The Course 32 graduates come from various national agencies and institutions, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Security, and several ministries. The class also featured 19 international participants from countries such as India, Brazil, South Africa, and Ghana, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to fostering global cooperation in defence and security.