President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their successes in the fight against insurgency and criminality, stressing his administration’s determination to confront the root causes of insecurity through stronger security institutions and ongoing economic reforms.

Speaking on Wednesday at the plenary session on Peace and Stability during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, President Tinubu described the current momentum of Nigeria’s military as a foundation for national development and stability.

“Our brave armed forces can win any number of battles, but we do justice to their heroism only when we, as government, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the underlying causes,” the President said.

He highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, institutional reforms, and collaboration with civil society and international partners to improve the living standards of Nigerians. Tinubu also reiterated that inclusivity, diversity, and adherence to the rule of law remain Nigeria’s greatest strengths.

The President lamented the persistence of conflicts in several African countries but pointed to recent peace pacts in the Congo as evidence that new approaches—linking mediation outcomes to economic investment—can foster stability. He urged African governments to embrace fresh thinking in resolving conflicts.

Calling for stronger partnerships, Tinubu rejected outdated appeals for aid and handouts, advocating instead for market-driven cooperation. He also urged Japan to support Africa’s demand for reforms at the United Nations, particularly granting the continent permanent seats on the UN Security Council with full privileges, including veto power, as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.

“Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto. Africa also deserves additional seats in the non–permanent category of the Security Council,” Tinubu insisted.

He further called for global cooperation in ensuring that technology serves as a tool for peace and trust, rather than division and alienation.

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba underscored the importance of locally rooted solutions for Africa’s development. He outlined Japan’s priority areas at TICAD9, which include private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.

The Prime Minister also announced a collaborative economic framework between Japan and the African Development Bank (AfDB) that will provide up to $5.5 billion in funding for Africa through the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) private sector investment finance scheme.

Highlighting Japan’s demographic challenges, Ishiba appealed for stronger cooperation with Africa, noting that the continent’s youthful population could drive a new wave of industrialisation and economic growth.

“In 75 years from now, Japan’s population will have halved. Africa’s young population, if harnessed through manufacturing and job creation, could become a major driver of global productivity,” the Japanese leader said.

The TICAD9 summit continues in Yokohama with high-level discussions between African leaders and Japan on peace, stability, and sustainable development.