President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has insisted that strengthening indigenous manufacturing of military hardware is “indispensable to the nation’s security and development.”
The President made the declaration on Friday in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of Course 33 of the National Defence College.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu specifically commended the College’s research output, stating: “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.”
He went on to issue a direct instruction, saying: “I have directed that relevant stakeholders study your recommendations and harvest the strategies you proposed.”
The President also used the occasion, which carried the theme “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria,” to emphasise the importance of robust national structures. He noted that “without strong institutions there can be no lasting democracy,” and told the assembled graduands that “the knowledge you have acquired here will be deployed to fortify the institutions of Nigeria and of your respective nations.”
In a wide-ranging address, President Tinubu pointed to economic progress under his administration, declaring: “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 percent year on year, the best performance in almost three decades.”
He did, however, acknowledge ongoing challenges, adding: “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.”
The President also reaffirmed a commitment to complete the permanent site of the National Defence College in Piwoyi, directing “the Commandant to work closely with the Honourable Minister of Defence to develop a clear strategy to upgrade the facilities.”
He urged the Course 33 graduands to become partners in national progress, recalling that his pledge to the people is “to provide effective and creative leadership, and I call on you to be partners in the task of birthing the new Nigeria we all dream of.”
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials including the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Chiefs of Defence, Army, Naval, and Air Staff.
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