President Bola Tinubu has said that the Nigerian people and the military must stay vigilant and proactive in “addressing regional and global threats, as well as social issues.”
This is as he claimed that his administration had been responsive to the needs and aspirations of citizens, particularly in the face of ongoing economic challenges.
Tinubu’s remarks followed sharp criticism that his government had not reduced the cost of governance, especially after the recent purchase of a presidential jet reportedly valued at $100million.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Course 32 at the National Defence College in Abuja, Tinubu highlighted the progress made by his administration in tackling the challenges faced by the populace.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu pointed to the new ₦70,000 minimum wage for workers as a key initiative aimed at mitigating the economic hardships confronting citizens.
“Our country is grappling with numerous socio-economic challenges. As a government, we are attuned to the needs of our people, and we will continue to take proactive steps to support our citizens,” Tinubu stated.
“Recently, we’ve made notable advances in addressing some of these challenges, including the implementation of a new national minimum wage, which benefits both civilian workers and members of the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies,” he added.
Tinubu also mentioned the administration’s efforts to curb crude oil theft as a priority to achieve economic stability, as well as its commitment to fostering innovation in the mining sector.
He said, “We are diligently working to combat crude oil theft and the associated issues in the Niger Delta region. Our border security forces and other agencies are tasked with addressing this threat swiftly to ensure economic stability.
“We are also committed to developing a business model that promotes value addition in the mining sector, in collaboration with international partners, to harness the sector’s potential for national security and development.”
The President commended the military’s efforts under his administration and assured that they would continue to receive the necessary support.
“Under my leadership, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have made significant sacrifices and achieved considerable success in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting the lives and properties of our citizens.
“I am committed to ensuring that the Nigerian military is well-funded and prepared for any challenges,” he said.
Tinubu also called for vigilance and the promotion of democratic values across the continent. “We must stay vigilant and proactive in addressing regional and global threats, as well as social issues.
“Furthermore, we must uphold and promote democratic principles within our country and across the continent,” he added.
He encouraged the graduates to utilize their newly acquired skills to address the security challenges in their respective countries.
