President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s determination to strengthen local production of military equipment, stressing that indigenous manufacturing is essential for safeguarding Nigeria’s security and driving national development.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday at the graduation ceremony of Course 33 of the National Defence College, Tinubu—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—praised the institution’s tradition of research excellence. He singled out the College’s Presidential Treaties on Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040 as a testament to the value of home-grown solutions.
“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 said.
The President also lauded the choice of theme for the Course, Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria, emphasising that no society can thrive without strong and resilient institutions. He noted that such institutions uphold the rule of law, protect citizens’ rights, and provide stability, while also serving as the backbone for effective governance and security.
Highlighting the progress of his economic reforms, Tinubu observed that investor confidence has grown significantly, with the stock market rising by more than 48 per cent year-on-year, its best performance in nearly three decades. He acknowledged, however, that more must be done to curb inflation and food insecurity so that economic growth translates into real benefits for Nigerians.
The President further reaffirmed his commitment to completing construction of the National Defence College’s permanent site at Piwoyi, saying he had been briefed on its infrastructural needs. He urged the graduating officers to play a vital role in fulfilling his administration’s renewed hope agenda, pledging to provide “effective and creative leadership” in the pursuit of a stronger Nigeria.
Commending the Commandant, Rear Admiral James Okosu, along with the faculty and staff, Tinubu praised the College for grooming Course 33 participants drawn from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and other institutions both at home and abroad. Okosu, in his remarks, expressed confidence that the graduates had been adequately prepared to confront pressing security challenges.
