PRESIDENT TINUBU CHARGES NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE PARTICIPANTS ON INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE, NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
By Kelechi Ugo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s human, material, and intellectual resources to drive industrialization, peace, and prosperity. He made the remarks during an address to the participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College (NDC) at the Council Chambers in Abuja.
In his speech, President Tinubu emphasized that ensuring Nigeria’s development is a collective responsibility. He urged the participants, comprising military and civil service officers from Nigeria and other countries, to view themselves as agents of national transformation and to remain committed to serving the nation with excellence.
"Together, we must build a productive, secure, and prosperous Nigeria. It is not only the duty of the government but the responsibility of all of us to ensure we take our place in the global community," President Tinubu stated, commending the participants for their dedication and commitment throughout the duration of the course.
The President reaffirmed that his administration would continue to provide platforms for addressing emerging socio-economic challenges through inclusive, forward-thinking policies. He underscored the government's resolve to empower Nigeria's defense and military institutions, ensuring that they are adequately equipped to tackle both current and future security threats.
"I congratulate the leadership of the College, the participants, and the resource persons for their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s strategic development. Together, we are building a strong future for the country," he said.
The President particularly praised the NDC’s research paper, titled Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security by 2040, and committed to studying its recommendations for implementation. He called on the course participants to remain intellectually curious and analytical in their approach to solving Nigeria’s evolving challenges.
In addressing the participants, President Tinubu also stressed the importance of developing a new generation of strategic leaders who possess the requisite knowledge and analytical skills necessary for Nigeria’s future success.
“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that Nigeria remains resilient and productive,” President Tinubu said, urging the participants to maintain a long-term vision focused on building the country’s economy, strengthening industrial development, and securing Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He also highlighted the critical role of fostering a culture of inquiry, drawing lessons from other nations’ successes, and developing Nigeria’s potential in line with global trends.
While addressing the National Defence College's infrastructure needs, President Tinubu assured the leadership that the government would continue to work toward the full development of the College’s permanent site, which has been in progress since 2010. He encouraged the leadership of the College to exercise patience as plans for its completion move forward.
The Commandant of the NDC, Rear Admiral A. Ahmed, briefed the President on the course's theme: Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria. Course 33 has 99 participants, including 25 from the Nigerian Army, 16 from the Navy, 12 from the Air Force, five from the Police, 18 from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and 23 international participants from Africa, Asia, and South America. Since its inception in 1992, the College has graduated 3,097 participants, including military officers and law enforcement personnel from Nigeria and allied African nations.
Rear Admiral Ahmed noted that the research paper developed by Course 33 participants aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in its focus on economic diversification through industrialization, digitalization, and the promotion of manufacturing. He highlighted the study’s comparative analysis of countries such as Qatar, which had transitioned from a mono-economy to a diversified one through strategic interventions.
The Course 33 research team called for massive investments in infrastructure, product standardization, and greater patronage of the Defence Industrial Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to strengthen the country’s military industrial complex. The study also recommended a focus on industrial and backward integration to spur job creation, increase wealth, and enhance national security.
In conclusion, the research team proposed a Project Native 2040, urging the government to issue directives for its implementation. The initiative aims to leverage indigenous manufacturing to foster national security and economic growth by 2040.
As the briefing came to a close, the President thanked the team for their diligent work, affirming that Nigeria’s future lies in its capacity to innovate, invest in human capital, and strengthen its institutions for lasting prosperity.
