President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is leading the Nigerian delegation, said the mission was not just to participate but to position the country as a continental leader, driving green innovation, industrial growth, and youth empowerment while consolidating Nigeria’s role as the “gateway to West Africa’s vast market.”
Speaking during the opening session on Peace and Stability on Wednesday, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to tackle the root causes of terrorism while sustaining military gains in the fight against insurgency and criminality.
“Nigeria’s brave Armed Forces can win many battles. But we do justice to their heroism only when we, as governments, confront not only terror, but also its underlying causes,” President Tinubu declared.
He commended the military for its sacrifices, noting that their courage had laid the foundation for peace and stability. According to him, lasting victory will require a combination of military strength, institutional reforms, social investment, and inclusive governance.
Nigeria’s TICAD9 Mission
In a statement posted on his official X handle @officialABAT, Tinubu stressed Nigeria’s strategic goals at the summit themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa.”
“Our participation aims to unlock $1 billion+ in trade and investment, drive green innovation, expand opportunities for our youth, and position Nigeria as the heart and gateway to West Africa’s vast market,” he wrote.
He described TICAD9 as a launchpad for “lasting development and global partnership, anchored on technology, talent, and trust,” adding, “Nigeria will lead, and Africa will rise.”
Push for UN Security Council Reform
Tinubu also renewed Nigeria’s call for reforms at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), insisting that Africa deserves greater representation.
“Africa deserves two permanent seats with full veto rights and additional non-permanent seats, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration,” he said.
Japan Pledges New Support for Africa
At the same summit, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a new economic cooperation framework between Japan and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The deal will mobilize up to $5.5 billion through the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s private sector investment finance initiative to support industrial and infrastructure growth across Africa.
“We will nurture and expand the industrial ecosystem between Japan and Africa,” Ishiba said.
Looking Ahead
With the conference bringing together African leaders, multilateral institutions, and global investors, Nigeria is expected to leverage its strong domestic reforms, demographic advantage, and military progress to secure investments that will strengthen its economy and regional influence.
