Tinubu hails Nigerian armed forces at TICAD 9, seeks UN reforms

President Bola Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts in combating insurgency and criminality, stressing that his administration is equally focused on addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.

Tinubu gave the commendation while speaking at the plenary session on Peace and Stability at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), which was held in Yokohama, Japan.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Nigeria’s military achievements must be matched with bold governance reforms.

“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 was quoted as saying.

He reaffirmed that inclusivity, diversity and respect for the rule of law remain Nigeria’s greatest strengths, describing the momentum in the Armed Forces as “a springboard for national development and stability.”

The President also urged African leaders to rethink peace-building approaches, citing recent mediation successes in the Congo as proof that linking peace outcomes to investment could work.

“We should be under no illusions about the scale of our task. But neither should we underestimate the successes we have had,” he said.

Tinubu further appealed for reforms at the United Nations, particularly in the Security Council, arguing that Africa deserves 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. Indeed, Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto,” he insisted.

Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his opening address, announced a new collaborative economic framework between Japan and the African Development Bank, with up to \$5.5 billion to be disbursed to Africa through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Ishiba emphasised Japan’s priorities for Africa as private sector-led growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.

“Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at the TICAD 9, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and Regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa,” the Japanese leader said.

He added that Africa’s young population could be a driver of global growth if harnessed through manufacturing and industrialisation.