President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive security reforms and sustained economic initiatives.
The President made the pledge on Wednesday in Yokohama, Japan, while speaking at the plenary session on Peace and Stability at the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9).
He praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their achievements in the fight against insurgency, describing their current momentum as a springboard for national stability and development.
President Tinubu emphasised that inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law remain Nigeria’s greatest strengths.
“Nigeria’s brave armed forces can win any number of battles, but we do justice to their heroism only when we, as government, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the underlying causes,” he said.
The President highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, institutional reforms, and partnerships with civil society and international allies aimed at improving Nigerians’ living standards.
He stressed that peace and stability are essential to meaningful development, noting that recent peace pacts in Congo offer a model for linking mediation with economic opportunities.
“We should be under no illusions about the scale of our task. But neither should we underestimate the successes we have had… Our brave armed forces can win many battles, but we can do justice to their sacrifice only when governments are tough, not only on terror, but also on the causes of terror,” he added.
President Tinubu urged African nations to pursue market-driven cooperation and partnerships instead of relying on aid and handouts. He also called on Japan to support reforms at the United Nations, particularly within the Security Council, to secure greater African representation.
“It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand. Indeed, Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto,” he declared.
On global technology governance, President Tinubu called for stronger international cooperation to ensure technology becomes a tool for peace and trust rather than division.
Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, in his address at the opening ceremony, stressed the importance of local solutions and deeper cooperation between Japan and Africa.
“Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. So, in creating solutions together, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration,” Ishiba said.
He announced a $5.5 billion collaborative framework between Japan and the African Development Bank, facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) private sector investment finance.
The Japanese leader also underscored Africa’s demographic potential in contrast to Japan’s ageing population.
“In 75 years from now, the population of Japan would have been halved. Our agricultural land is also shrinking. But in Africa, there is a growing young population. For this power of youth to flourish, Africa must build a manufacturing base to create employment and improve productivity,” he stated.
Prime Minister Ishiba concluded by noting that Africa’s youthful population gives the continent a unique opportunity to leap into industrialisation and sustainable growth.
PIAK