As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, a Coalition of civil society groups, led by Civil Society for Peace, Security and Development (CSPSD), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs for their efforts to restore peace and strengthen national security.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja after a solidarity rally marking Independence Day, the National Coordinator, Dr Kabiru Muhammed, said the courage, coordination and operational commitment of the Armed Forces, police, intelligence agencies and other security formations have increased pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal networks.
The Coalition noted that under President Tinubu, security agencies have intensified intelligence-led and technology-driven operations, with greater emphasis on inter-agency coordination, helping to drastically reduce all forms of insecurity across the country.
The Coalition particularly commended the security chiefs’ leadership in taking operational responsibility for addressing emerging threats, noting that the President has continued to provide political direction and additional support for the security architecture.
‘Under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; and Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the security agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations, joint deployments, surveillance, community engagement and coordinated responses to emerging threats,’ the address noted.
The Coalition also welcomed the Federal Government’s investments in infrastructure, education, energy, youth development, technology and economic reforms, describing these areas as important components of the country’s broader transformation agenda.
According to the Coalition, ‘the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, although accompanied by significant adjustments and hardships for citizens, have been aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges and creating a more sustainable foundation for the delivery of democratic dividends in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda.’
The Coalition also commended the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive, including ongoing road and rail projects across the country, with more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads under construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation, alongside ongoing railway modernisation.
The Coalition said developments in the energy sector also deserved recognition, particularly efforts to expand domestic refining capacity, strengthen the power sector and promote alternative energy initiatives such as Compressed Natural Gas, adding that investments in electricity infrastructure, renewable energy and efforts to address legacy debts within the power sector are ongoing.
On human capital development, the group noted the establishment and expansion of programmes designed to improve access to education, housing, healthcare and economic opportunities. It specifically acknowledged the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which the Presidency said had provided higher-education financing to more than 1.5 million students, as well as federal housing initiatives targeted at expanding access to affordable accommodation and creating employment.
While commending the administration, the group urged the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustain its efforts and ensure that the gains from ongoing reforms translate into improved living conditions, employment opportunities, food security, affordable transport, reliable electricity and better access to education and healthcare.
The Coalition further called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing useful information, to promote peaceful coexistence and to remain committed to national unity.
The Coalition congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the Independence anniversary, expressing optimism that sustained reforms, effective security operations and responsible citizenship would contribute to a safer, stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.