As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, a coalition of civil society groups, led by the Civil Society for Peace, Security and Development (CSPSD), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs for their efforts to tackle insecurity and strengthen the country’s security architecture.

The coalition, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja after a solidarity rally to mark the anniversary, said sustained security operations and economic reforms were critical to building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Kabiru Muhammed, said the courage, coordination and operational commitment of the Armed Forces, police, intelligence agencies and other security formations had increased pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal networks.

According to him, security agencies had intensified intelligence-led and technology-driven operations, while improving inter-agency coordination and joint responses to emerging threats.
The coalition specifically commended the 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.

It said the security chiefs had demonstrated operational commitment through joint deployments, surveillance, intelligence gathering and community engagement, while commending President Tinubu for providing political direction and additional support to the security agencies.
The group also welcomed Federal Government investments in infrastructure, education, energy, youth development, technology and other sectors, describing them as important components of the administration’s transformation agenda.

On the economy, the coalition acknowledged that the reforms of the Tinubu administration had resulted in significant adjustments and hardships for citizens but said the measures were aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges and creating a more sustainable foundation for development.
The coalition also commended the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive, citing ongoing road and rail projects across the country, including more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads reportedly under construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation.

It said railway modernisation, investments in electricity infrastructure, renewable energy and efforts to address legacy debts in the power sector were also deserving of attention.
The group further highlighted efforts to expand domestic refining capacity and promote alternative energy initiatives, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), saying such measures could contribute to improved energy access and economic opportunities.

On human capital development, the coalition acknowledged federal programmes aimed at expanding access to education, housing, healthcare and employment opportunities.
It specifically cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which the Presidency has said had provided higher-education financing to more than 1.5 million students, as well as federal housing initiatives aimed at expanding access to affordable accommodation and creating jobs.
However, the coalition urged the Federal Government to sustain its efforts and ensure that the benefits of ongoing reforms translate into improved living conditions for Nigerians.

It called for greater attention to employment opportunities, food security, affordable transportation, reliable electricity, education and healthcare.
The group also appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies with useful information, promote peaceful coexistence and remain committed to national unity.
The coalition congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary, expressing optimism that sustained reforms, effective security operations and responsible citizenship would contribute to a safer and more prosperous country.