Tinubu is committed to peace, security/Economic growth in South-East – Idris
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the South-East while advancing economic reforms aimed at creating sustainable growth and prosperity across the region.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Friday during a press briefing in Umuahia, Abia State, following the South-East Regional Security Summit.
The summit, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Defence and hosted by the Abia State Government, brought together government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders, professionals and youth representatives to discuss practical solutions to the region’s security challenges.
The minister commended the organisers for convening what he described as a timely and important platform for dialogue, noting that the impressive turnout reflected a shared understanding that security is a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of governments, security agencies, communities and citizens.
Idris reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to ensuring that every Nigerian lives and works in a safe and secure environment, regardless of location.
He said the security challenges confronting the South-East, like those in other parts of the country, require a comprehensive strategy that combines effective law enforcement, intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, economic empowerment and sustainable development.
According to the minister, the Federal Government has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through enhanced support for security agencies, improved operational capacity, better intelligence coordination and stronger collaboration among federal, state and community stakeholders.
He stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military action alone, adding that security is strengthened when citizens have access to economic opportunities, young people have hope, businesses thrive and communities have confidence in government.
Idris said the Renewed Hope Agenda places security within a broader framework of economic development, infrastructure renewal, human capital investment and social inclusion.
He noted that the summit also demonstrated the administration’s commitment to listening to citizens, engaging local communities and working with stakeholders to develop solutions tailored to the unique realities of the South-East.
The minister further stated that the Federal Government recognises the enormous economic potential of the region and remains committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses, industries and communities to flourish.
Highlighting the administration’s economic reforms, Idris said President Tinubu inherited significant fiscal and structural challenges, including declining revenues, exchange rate distortions and long-standing economic weaknesses.
He explained that the removal of the fuel subsidy and reforms in the foreign exchange market were necessary measures aimed at building a more transparent, productive and investment-friendly economy.
The minister added that the government has introduced several intervention programmes to cushion the effects of the reforms, including support for small businesses, consumer credit schemes, student financing initiatives and social protection programmes.
He expressed confidence that a peaceful South-East would attract greater investment, stimulate economic activities and create more opportunities for citizens, ultimately strengthening national stability.
Idris reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to building a Nigeria where every region can realise its full potential and every citizen can look forward to greater opportunities and sustainable development.