The Federal Government said on Friday that security in the South East is central to Tinubu’s economic recovery plan, noting that peace is what will bring in investors, let businesses grow, and open up economic opportunities in the region.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris maintained this position in Umuahia at a press briefing on the South East Regional Security Summit, where he said the administration is strengthening security through improved intelligence, stronger support for security agencies and closer cooperation with state authorities and local stakeholders while pursuing economic reforms.
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The security summit provided the Federal Government with an opportunity to explain why tackling insecurity in the South East now forms part of its economic programme.
It also brought together government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, youth representatives and community leaders to examine practical responses to security challenges affecting the region and the country’s development.
Government ties security to investment
Idris said the Federal Government wants every Nigerian to live, work and pursue legitimate economic activities in a safe environment, stressing that restoring confidence in the South East is necessary for investment and commercial activity.
“The message from the Federal Government is clear: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, in every part of the country, has the right to live, work and pursue prosperity in a safe and secure environment,” he noted.
The FG is maintaining that a peaceful South East would encourage businesses to invest and allow the region to realise its economic potential.
The Minister noted that President Bola Tinubu is committed to creating an environment where every part of the country can develop and where citizens have greater opportunities.
He explained that the administration is responding to insecurity through improved operational capacity for security agencies.
Idris also noted that the summit gave the Federal Government another opportunity to listen to citizens and other stakeholders so that responses to insecurity reflect the realities within the region.
Economic reforms presented as part of security agenda
While outlining the administration’s economic programme, Idris said President Tinubu inherited fiscal pressures, declining government revenue, exchange rate distortions and structural weaknesses that had slowed Nigeria’s economy over several years.
He said those conditions made difficult policy decisions unavoidable after the President assumed office.
The minister said the removal of fuel subsidy and reforms in the foreign exchange market were introduced to correct those challenges and create a more transparent, productive and investment friendly economy.
He said the administration is rebuilding the foundations of the economy through reforms intended to improve infrastructure, expand opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness.
Idris explained that government also recognises the effect of the reforms on Nigerians. He said intervention programmes have continued through support for small businesses, consumer credit initiatives, student financing and social protection measures.
He said the objective is to create an economy where Nigerians produce more, businesses expand and opportunities multiply.
The minister maintained that peace and economic development reinforce one another. He said lasting security is stronger when citizens have economic opportunities, young people have hope, businesses succeed and people have confidence in government.
Idris said this approach forms part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places security alongside economic development, infrastructure renewal, human capital investment and social inclusion as part of the administration’s effort to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth.
“. . . the Renewed Hope Agenda places security within a broader framework of economic development, infrastructure renewal, human capital investment and social inclusion,” he said.
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