President Bola Tinubu has formally charged the participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 32 to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the numerous regional and global threats that are increasingly impacting security dynamics. This important address took place during the graduation ceremony of the participants on Friday in Abuja, where the president was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In his remarks, President Tinubu highlighted that the college has adequately equipped the participants with the necessary knowledge and a strategic framework to confront and tackle the prevailing national security challenges that the country faces today. He emphasized the crucial need for the graduates to rise to the occasion, applying what they have learned at the college to effectively address the multifaceted threats to national and international security.
“It is imperative that we remain alert and proactive in responding to the regional and global threats that we encounter as we move forward,” the president said, underlining the urgency of the situation. He further stressed the importance of promoting democratic values and firmly upholding democratic principles not only within Nigeria but across the entire African continent as well.
“As the current chair of ECOWAS, we are determined to take all necessary actions to strengthen ties among member states and resolve existing negotiations and conflicts within the community,” he stated. This commitment to regional cooperation reflects a broader understanding of the interconnected nature of security challenges in West Africa and the need for collaborative solutions.
The president commended the college for maintaining a standard of excellence that reflects courage, patriotism, and integrity. He pledged to provide adequate support to the institution, aiming to facilitate its transition to a permanent site as soon as it is feasible. This support is crucial for ensuring that the college continues to groom future leaders who can effectively manage and respond to the security needs of the nation.
In acknowledging the extraordinary service and dedication displayed by members of the armed forces in their ongoing mission to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, he expressed gratitude for their commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of all Nigerian citizens. Their role is vital in the context of national security and stability, ensuring that the country’s interests are prioritized in a challenging environment.
The president reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling the various security, social, and economic challenges that confront Nigeria at this time. “I will continue to do everything within my constitutional powers to ensure that the Nigerian military is provided with the necessary resources and capabilities to perform their duties effectively,” he assured the audience.
“As a responsible government, we remain sensitive to the challenges faced by our people, and we will continue to actively intervene in matters that can adversely affect our citizens’ lives and livelihoods,” he elaborated. Recent developments indicate that the government has made significant strides toward addressing some of these pressing challenges.
One of the notable advancements includes the implementation of a new national minimum wage, which is expected to benefit not only civilian workers but also personnel serving in the Nigerian Armed Forces as well as other security agencies. This increase aims to improve the living standards of those who dedicate their lives to ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
Additionally, President Tinubu highlighted ongoing efforts to counter the serious issues of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region. “We are working tirelessly to confront and mitigate the menace of these illegal activities,” he declared, emphasizing that such measures will ultimately lead to an increase in national oil production, thereby achieving the economic standards that Nigeria aspires to reach.
“Our commitment extends to creating an enabling business environment that encourages value addition within our mining sector,” he stated, explaining that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to bolster economic resilience. Furthermore, he mentioned that the government is collaborating with international partners in the development of a comprehensive strategy meant to harness the potential of the mining sector for enhancing national security.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the National Defence College proudly graduated a total of 111 participants this year. These graduates were drawn from the armed forces of Nigeria as well as those from 19 other friendly nations, showcasing the college’s role in fostering international military cooperation. Additionally, the participants included members of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, as well as individuals from strategic ministries, departments, and agencies of the government, reflecting the significance of a multi-agency approach to national defense and security in contemporary Nigeria.
