President Bola Tinubu has insisted on strengthening indigenous manufacturing of military hardware, saying it is very crucial in enhancing Nigeria’s security and development.
He applauded the culture of excellence in research at the National Defence College, citing the Presidential Treaties on Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040, as an affirmation of the strength of such a tradition in the country.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of Course 33 of the National Defence College, the President, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the College as a vivid representation of his administration’s commitment to building human capital in areas critical to our national survival.
“I must also commend the tradition of research excellence in this College. Your Presidential Treaties on Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040 is a clear demonstration of this strength.
“I have directed that relevant stakeholders study your recommendations and harvest the strategies you proposed, because strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development,” he stated.
The Nigerian leader expressed delight at the theme for the College’s Course 33, “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria,” pointing out that the foundation of every successful society is strong and resilient institutions.
Noting that his administration has since made strong institutions a national priority, President Tinubu said, “They uphold the rule of law, safeguard citizens’ rights, promote accountability, and deliver essential services. In national security, they are the framework for managing conflict, countering threats, and building resilience against instability.
“In development, they ensure sound governance, effective planning, and the delivery of policies that serve the common good. This is why this administration has made institutional strengthening a national priority, and I trust that the knowledge you have acquired here will be deployed to fortify the institutions of Nigeria and of your respective nations,” he added.
The President expressed firm belief that “without strong institutions, there can be no lasting democracy,” stating that in pursuit of this conviction, his administration has taken bold steps to reposition the nation’s “economy for growth and shared prosperity.
“Today, there is renewed confidence in our economy, reflected in the nation’s rising business outlook. Today, even the stock market has grown by over forty-eight per cent year on year, the best performance in almost three decades.
“While this reflects investor faith in our reforms, I acknowledge that we must continue to tackle inflation and food insecurity to ensure that this growth translates into real prosperity for every Nigerian,” he declared.
Permanent Site
The President also restated his administration’s resolve to complete construction at the permanent site of the National Defence College in Piwoyi, saying that while it is a matter close to the heart of the College, he had been briefed on the state of infrastructure at the site.
President Tinubu implored the Course 33 graduands to join hands in delivering his administration’s renewed hope to Nigerians, just as he recalled that his pledge to the people is “to provide effective and creative leadership, and I called on them to be partners in the task of birthing the new Nigeria we all dream of.”
He commended the Commandant, the management team, and the Faculty of the College for grooming the Course 33 graduands for the “Armed Forces, for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and for the friendly nations represented,” in the Course.
The Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral James Okosu, expressed confidence in the graduands’ abilities to deliver, stressing that the training programme is aimed at, among other things, tackling several pertinent security challenges.
The Course 33 graduates were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, and other institutions both within and outside Nigeria
