President Tinubu praises Nigeria’s Armed Forces at Ticad 9, while Japan’s PM pledges $5.5 billion for Africa

During a session on Peace and Stability at the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the Nigerian armed forces for their achievements in combating insurgency and crime. He highlighted his administration’s dedication to addressing the root causes of insecurity by enhancing government security measures and implementing ongoing economic reforms.

President Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria’s strengths lie in inclusivity, diversity, and upholding the rule of law, referring to the momentum within the armed forces as a catalyst for national development and stability.

His comments followed the opening ceremony, where Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stressed the significance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaboration for Africa’s growth. The Prime Minister detailed Japan’s commitment to sustainable, private sector-led growth, as well as the empowerment of youth and women, and regional integration.

Prime Minister Ishiba also unveiled a partnership with the African Development Bank aimed at mobilizing up to $5.5 billion for Africa, using the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to facilitate private sector investments.

President Tinubu underscored the focus on infrastructure investments, institutional reforms, and partnerships with civil society and international bodies to enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians. He stated, “While Nigeria’s brave armed forces can achieve various victories, we honor their heroism by courageously addressing not only terrorism but also its root causes.”

President Tinubu stressed the essence of peace and stability to meaningful development, lamenting that conflicts are still ongoing in many African countries despite some progress.

However, he highlighted recent peace pacts brokered in the Congo as evidence that a new model of mediation and economic considerations can yield success.

We should be under no illusions about the scale of our task. But neither should we underestimate the successes we have had. In the past, competition for resources has weakened states and triggered conflict. Now, we see mediators directly linking outcomes to investment in Congo. It is working and underlines the need for fresh thinking in everything we do to deliver peace and stability.

“Nigeria understands this process well. We believe inclusivity and diversity under the rule of law are our strengths. We have argued for this vision, and we have fought for it. We are still fighting for it today. We have learned that our brave armed forces can win many battles. But we can do justice to their heroism and sacrifice only when we, as governments, display the courage to be tough, not only on terror, but on the causes of terror,” he said.

President Tinubu urged Japan to back reforms in the UN, particularly the Security Council, to enhance Africa’s representation. Nigeria believes Africa deserves two permanent seats, complete with veto power, and more non-permanent seats, as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

“It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand. Indeed, Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto. Africa also deserves additional seats in the non–permanent seat category of the Security Council, as encapsulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.”