NIGERIA: Tinubu Hails Nigerian Armed Forces As Japan Pledges $5.5bn Support For Africa

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Nigerian armed forces for their resilience in tackling insurgency and criminality, while restating his administration’s commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity through reforms and strengthened security institutions.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Wednesday in Yokohama, Japan, during the plenary session on Peace and Stability at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

The development was made known in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy on Wednesday.

The President described inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law as Nigeria’s greatest strengths, noting that the armed forces’ successes provide a platform for national stability and development.

“Nigeria’s 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,” Tinubu said.

He stressed the importance of peace and stability to Africa’s development, pointing to recent mediation efforts in Congo as proof that linking peace agreements to economic investments can produce positive results.

Tinubu also called for market-driven cooperation rather than reliance on aid, and urged Japan to support reforms in the United Nations Security Council to give Africa greater representation.

“It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand. Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto.”

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his opening remarks, announced a new framework that will provide up to \$5.5 billion in support to Africa through collaboration between Japan and the African Development Bank.

He said the funding, to be channeled via the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s private sector investment finance, will focus on youth and women empowerment, sustainable growth, and regional integration.

Ishiba also underscored the importance of locally rooted solutions and stronger cooperation between Africa and Japan. He highlighted Africa’s youthful population as a key advantage for the continent’s industrial and economic growth.

He said “Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. For the power of young people in Africa to flourish, you need to create a manufacturing industry and create employment.”

The Japanese leader further noted the challenges facing his country, including a declining population and shrinking agricultural land, stressing the need for partnerships that benefit both Japan and Africa.

The conference continues with discussions on sustainable development, security, and economic cooperation between Japan and African nations.