President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the current hardship is short-term while the gains that will accrue therefrom will be long-term.
He said the citizens’ sacrifices would soon usher in an era of enduring economic benefits for all.
The President restated his administration’s commitment to tackling the country’s economic and security challenges, emphasising the intricate link between the two.
President Tinubu spoke at this year’s annual national conference of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) held on Monday, September 23, 2024, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The President, who was represented by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, noted that the security of life and property remained essential for development.
He said: “All of us in this gathering would agree that economic stability is not solely an economic issue; it has direct correlation with national security.
“…Security is the cornerstone of national prosperity. A secure environment is a prerequisite for economic activities to flourish.
“Economic stability is best experienced in times of peace as no nation prospers in a state of chaos. However, Nigeria faces a host of security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.
“These issues do not only threaten our physical safety but also stifle economic development, deter foreign investment, and inhibit our efforts to achieve a stable economy.
“It is imperative that we adopt a multifaceted approach to both economic and security challenges. We must enhance our intelligence capabilities, strengthen community policing, and ensure that our security forces are adequately equipped.
“Moreover, addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate education, is essential to ensuring lasting peace.
“As we contemplate the way forward, I urge all of you – leaders, managers, and professionals – to foster collaboration across sectors. We need to create platforms for dialogue between the public and private sectors.
“Together, we can harness our collective expertise to develop robust policies that will stimulate economic growth while ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.”
Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, stressed the need for collective efforts in addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.
The governor noted that economic stability is linked with national security.
NIM President/Chairman Christiana Atako said there was a need for collective action to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
She added that the institute’s conference aimed to provide solutions to the government, charting a direction for Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
She stressed that as Nigeria navigated the challenges, it was essential for the country to prioritise security, economic reforms, and sustainable development to ensure a brighter future for the citizens.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, noted that Nigeria’s journey had been marred by trials.
She said unemployment, particularly among the youth, was threatening the economy and national security with millions of educated and skilled youths remaining jobless and the economy being compromised.
The Nation
