President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared that Nigeria would overcome terrorism and banditry, describing the threats as “unacceptable” and alien to the nation’s core values, as he charged the National Economic Council (NEC) with driving inclusive and sustainable growth across the country.

Speaking while declaring open the Second National Economic Council Conference at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the President said insecurity remained a major obstacle to economic progress and required urgent, collective action from all tiers of government.

“I promise you here that I’ll play my part. Seven zones of mechanisation are coming,” Mr. Tinubu said. “I promise Nigerians that this will be delivered, and I am here again to further find ways to strengthen our security forces and defeat terrorism.

“That, I promise you, is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you we will win with determination and resilience.

“We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It’s not part of our culture. It’s foreign to us.”

The President also directed the council to ensure the effective implementation of the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030, stressing that inclusive growth must be prioritised to deliver tangible improvements in living standards nationwide.

He welcomed state governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, development partners, and private-sector leaders to the two-day conference, themed, “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,” which drew critical stakeholders from across the country.

Mr. Tinubu commended NEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for providing a platform for policy coordination and strategic dialogue.

“I am pleased to address the second edition of the National Economic Council Conference at a critical moment in Nigeria’s development journey,” he said. “NEC remains a cornerstone of fiscal federalism and economic governance in our country.”

He noted that the administration’s reforms had helped stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence, and improve Nigeria’s global standing.

“I must say again at this juncture, the monetary policy that we have embarked on since the reforms has yielded positive results and gained recognition around the world,” the President added.

Mr. Tinubu explained that the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project was designed to deepen grassroots inclusion through a bottom-up approach, while the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 was evidence-based, realistic, and anchored on inclusive and sustainable growth.

According to him, the plan prioritises economic diversification, human capital development, and subnational competitiveness based on comparative advantage. It also promotes private sector-led growth and climate resilience.

He stressed that the success of the plan would depend largely on how effectively states and local councils translate national priorities into measurable outcomes, adding that NEC would remain central to aligning national objectives with subnational realities.

The President urged leaders to move beyond declarations and focus on implementation through data-driven decision-making, peer learning, and innovative financing models.

“Nigeria’s diversity is our strength. When every state grows, Nigeria grows,” he said.

Mr. Tinubu further disclosed that states and local governments were now receiving increased and more predictable federal allocations to enhance service delivery, while infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation had been prioritised.

He also highlighted expanded social investment and human capital programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses.

“These successes reflect strong collaboration among the federal and state governments, development partners, and the private sector,” he said.

The President expressed confidence that resolutions reached at the conference would accelerate inclusive growth and advance sustainable national development across the country.