President Bola Tinubu has vowed to accelerate local production of arms and ammunition as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and national institutions. The pledge came during the graduation ceremony of Course 33 at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, where Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Speaking on the theme of the course, “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria,” Shettima highlighted the critical role of resilient institutions as the foundation of every successful society.

“Strong institutions uphold the rule of law, safeguard citizens’ rights, promote accountability, and deliver essential services,” Shettima said, emphasizing that they provide the framework for managing conflict, countering threats, and strengthening resilience against instability.

President Tinubu said his administration has prioritized institutional capacity as central to national security and development. “They ensure sound governance, effective planning, and the delivery of policies that serve the common good. This is why this administration has made institutional strengthening a national priority, and I trust that the knowledge you have acquired here will be deployed to fortify the institutions of Nigeria and of your respective nations,” he stated.

He described the College as a representation of the government’s commitment to building human capital in areas critical to national survival, while stressing that indigenous production of military hardware is essential to Nigeria’s security and development. Tinubu commended the NDC for its culture of research excellence, citing the Presidential Treatise on “Harnessing Indigenous Manufacturing for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2040” as a demonstration of the country’s strengths.

“I have directed that relevant stakeholders study your recommendations and harvest the strategies you proposed, because strengthening indigenous manufacturing is indispensable to our nation’s security and development,” the President said.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the construction of the NDC’s permanent site in Piwoyi, assuring that the College would continue to deliver strategic training for Nigeria and allied nations. “While progress has been made, much remains to be done. I assure you that this administration is committed to completing the permanent site, to ensure that the College continues to deliver strategic training not only for Nigeria but also for allied nations. When fully equipped, this College can, and should, evolve into a Defence Postgraduate University,” he stated.

The President directed the Commandant to work closely with the Minister of Defence to develop a strategy for upgrading facilities, while government explores further interventions to enhance infrastructure.

He further highlighted the link between strong institutions, national security, and democratic governance, noting that his administration has taken steps to reposition the economy for growth and shared prosperity. He pointed to renewed confidence in the economy, citing the stock market’s 48 percent year-on-year growth, its best performance in nearly three decades. At the same time, Tinubu acknowledged ongoing challenges, including inflation and food insecurity, which must be addressed to ensure that economic gains benefit all Nigerians.

Urging the Course 33 graduands to apply their knowledge strategically, the President said: “Graduates of Course 33, you step out today into a world more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous than when you began your course last year. Global economic headwinds, the war in Ukraine, the disruptive force of emerging technologies, the threats in cyberspace, and the unsettling resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government in our region form the backdrop of your service. But you have been prepared for this moment. You have been trained to think and act strategically. You have been equipped to lead with vision and courage.”

He also applauded the Commandant, management team, and faculty of the College for grooming the graduands for service across the Armed Forces, government ministries, and friendly nations represented in the course.

Rear Admiral J.O. Okosu, Commandant of the NDC, welcomed the President to the ceremony, highlighting strong governmental support for the institution. He expressed confidence that the graduands would be able to address pressing security challenges, including banditry and oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Deputy Commandant Major General Kevin Ukandu emphasized that the participants had been trained in defense management, strategy formulation, command, and geopolitics, equipping them to contribute effectively to Nigeria’s national security objectives.