By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu says his administration will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate all threats to Nigeria’s security and territorial integrity.
Tinubu stated this on Thursday in his 2026 New Year message to Nigerians.
“My fellow Nigerians, the path of reform is never easy, but it is necessary. We remain mindful that economic progress must be accompanied by security and peace.”
The president said Nigeria continued to confront threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined to disrupt national stability.
He recalled recent coordinated actions with international partners, including the U.S. to degrade terror networks.
“In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24.”
He added that sustained military operations were ongoing across the Northwest and Northeast.
“Our Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast.”
Tinubu said security agencies would intensify intelligence-sharing and operational coordination in the new year.
“In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security.”
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives, property and national sovereignty.
“We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country.”
He reiterated his support for decentralised policing as part of long-term security reforms.
“I continue to believe that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, all anchored on accountability, is critical.”
Tinubu said the new year would usher in a more robust phase of inclusive economic growth.
“The new year marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of our people.”
He announced accelerated implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.
“We will accelerate the implementation of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, aiming to bring at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.”
The President said the programme would empower at least 1,000 people in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.
Tinubu said agriculture, trade, food processing and mining would drive grassroots economic expansion.
“Through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining, we will stimulate local economies and expand grassroots opportunities.”
He assured Nigerians that all ongoing infrastructure projects would continue without disruption.
“All ongoing projects will continue without interruption.”
Calling for unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace shared responsibility in nation-building.
“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part. Nation-building is a shared responsibility.”
He prayed for peace, security and national stability in the new year.
“May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country, keep our troops safe and destroy the enemies bent on disrupting our national peace, security and stability.”
The president wished Nigerians a peaceful, productive and prosperous New Year.
(NAN)
