Yokohama: President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their success in fighting insurgency and criminality, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity through stronger governance and economic reforms. Speaking at the Peace and Stability plenary of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), Tinubu highlighted the critical role of national stability in development.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this was contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu described the armed forces’ growing momentum as a foundation for long-term development while emphasizing Nigeria’s strength in inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law. Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his opening remarks, underscored the need for mutual understanding, local solutions, and global collaboration for Africa’s growth.
Ishiba announced a new economic partnership with the African Development Bank to deliver up to $5.5 billion, using JICA’s private sector investment finance as a springboard. Tinubu also noted ongoing investment in infrastructure, institutional reform, and partnerships with civil society and global allies as crucial to uplifting Nigerians’ quality of life.
Tinubu stressed that peace and stability are essential to Africa’s development, warning that many conflicts still persist despite isolated progress. He cited recent peace agreements in the Congo as a sign that new mediation approaches, tied to economic opportunities, can succeed. Tinubu highlighted the potential of information and technology as tools for global trust, urging international cooperation to harness tech for peace, not division.
The president called for a shift from foreign aid dependency to market-driven cooperation and meaningful global partnerships. He also urged Japan to support long-overdue reforms in the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to amplify Africa’s voice. Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s belief in inclusivity and diversity under the rule of law as strengths, arguing for this vision and continuing to fight for it.
Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated the importance of locally-rooted development strategies shaped through mutual understanding and co-creation. He appealed for Africa’s support as Japan faces a population crisis and shrinking agricultural land, threatening future growth. Ishiba praised Africa’s demographic advantage and urged the continent to harness it through industrialization and job creation.