President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to use his constitutional powers to equip, arm, and empower the Nigerian military.
The President made this commitment during the graduation ceremony of Course 32 participants at the National Defence College in Abuja on Friday.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, emphasized the importance of strategic leadership in tackling Nigeria’s complex security and development challenges.
During his address, Tinubu expressed concern over the state of infrastructure at the National Defence College’s permanent site in Piwoyi, Abuja.
He noted that although his administration has made significant progress, there is still much work to be done to improve the institution.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing ongoing projects and upgrading the facilities at the college.
“Under my watch, members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have made remarkable sacrifices and recorded significant achievements in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and securing the lives and properties of our citizens. I will continue to do everything within my constitutional powers to ensure that the Nigerian military is well-resourced and fit for purpose,” Tinubu stated.
The President also praised the graduates of Course 32 for their contributions to his research on strategic options for harnessing the mining industry to enhance national security and development.
“We are already working with the fundamentals of your recommendations as we look forward to actualising our golden era scenario with substantial security assets supported by robust collaboration and institutional reforms,” he added.
In his speech, Tinubu acknowledged the National Defence College’s unique approach to consolidating knowledge through broad thematic areas, which has helped in finding sustainable solutions to national security and development issues in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
Highlighting some of the significant progress made by his administration, the President mentioned the implementation of a new national minimum wage, which benefits both civilian workers and personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He also discussed efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, which he said would boost oil and gas production and contribute to economic stability.
“We are committed to creating an enabling business environment that encourages value addition in our mining sector. We are working with international partners to develop strategies that will harness this sector’s potential for national security and development,” Tinubu explained.
The President urged the graduates of Course 32 to uphold the values of excellence, courage, patriotism, and integrity, and to use their newly acquired knowledge and skills to address Nigeria’s diverse challenges.
Earlier, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, highlighted the role of the 111 graduates in enhancing Nigeria’s strategic leadership across various sectors.
He noted that the training provided by the college equips future leaders with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to manage national power in a dynamic defense and security environment.
The Course 32 graduates included personnel from the Nigerian armed forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Security, and several ministries, as well as 19 international participants from countries such as India, Brazil, South Africa, and Ghana, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to fostering global cooperation in defense and security matters.
The graduation ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle; Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, among others.
