In a national broadcast marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, President Bola Tinubu declared that his administration is successfully combating terrorism and banditry.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating threats from Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping, aiming to end all forms of violent extremism across the nation.
“On the security front, I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry,” Tinubu stated, highlighting the progress made in the past year. He noted that over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by security forces operating in the Northeast, Northwest, and other regions of Nigeria.
This decisive action, he said, has helped restore peace to numerous communities, allowing thousands of citizens to return home.
“This is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible,” he continued.
Tinubu expressed optimism that restoring peace in the North would enable farmers to return to their fields, potentially leading to increased food production and lower food prices.
Acknowledging the struggles faced by Nigerians during these challenging times, he assured citizens that his government is actively working to address the rising cost of living and combat unemployment.
“As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens,” he remarked, encouraging patience as reforms begin to yield positive results.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence, Tinubu reminded citizens of the vision their founding fathers had for a prosperous nation.
“Exactly 64 years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as a form of government and launched the dream of a great country that would lead the rest of Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment,” he noted.
He urged citizens to appreciate the progress made while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.
“Despite the many challenges that buffeted our country, we remain a strong, united, and viable sovereign nation,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in nation-building.
Tinubu recognized the need to learn from past mistakes to ensure Nigeria’s future success.
He stated that his administration inherited a country facing significant economic challenges and security threats.
“We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse,” he said, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive reforms in the political economy and defense sectors.
He highlighted the success of these reforms, noting that Nigeria attracted over $30 billion in foreign direct investments in the past year alone.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to free enterprise and effective regulatory processes, particularly in the upstream petroleum sector.
“This was done in the same manner as other qualified divestments approved in the sector,” he explained, referring to the anticipated ministerial approval for the ExxonMobil-Seplat divestment.
He believes these actions will stimulate growth in the oil and gas industry and benefit the economy as a whole.
Tinubu’s address also underscored his administration’s focus on security, economic reform, and national unity as essential components of Nigeria’s journey toward a brighter future.
