President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to boosting indigenous production of military hardware, describing it as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s security and driving national development.
He commended the culture of research excellence at the National Defence College (NDC), highlighting the Presidential Treatise on Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040 as a testament to the institution’s intellectual contributions.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of Course 33 of the College, the President represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima described the NDC as a reflection of his administration’s dedication to developing human capital in areas critical to national survival.
“I must commend the tradition of research excellence in this College. Your Presidential Treatise… is a clear demonstration of this strength. I have directed relevant stakeholders to study your recommendations and implement the strategies proposed, because strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development,” he said.
The President welcomed the theme for Course 33, Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria, stressing that strong and resilient institutions are the foundation of every successful society.
According to him, “They uphold the rule of law, safeguard citizens’ rights, promote accountability, and deliver essential services. In national security, they provide the framework for managing conflict, countering threats, and building resilience against instability. In development, they ensure sound governance and effective planning.”
He noted that his administration has made institutional strengthening a national priority, adding: “Without strong institutions, there can be no lasting democracy.”
President Tinubu also highlighted recent economic reforms, pointing out that investor confidence has been restored. “Today, even the stock market has grown by over 48 per cent year-on-year, the best performance in nearly three decades. While this reflects investor faith in our reforms, we must continue to address inflation and food insecurity to ensure this growth translates into real prosperity for all Nigerians.”
On infrastructure, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the permanent site of the National Defence College in Piwoyi, noting that the project remains close to the heart of the institution.
He urged the graduating participants of Course 33 to support the “Renewed Hope” agenda, reiterating his pledge to Nigerians to provide effective and creative leadership while calling on them to be partners in building “the new Nigeria we all dream of.”
President Tinubu further commended the Commandant, management, and faculty of the NDC for training the graduands to serve the Armed Forces, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and allied nations.
The Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral James Okosu, expressed confidence in the graduates’ capacity to deliver, noting that the programme equips participants to tackle pressing security challenges.
The Course 33 graduates included personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force, as well as representatives from other national institutions and friendly foreign nations.
