President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their resilience in the fight against insurgency and criminality, while pledging his administration’s commitment to tackling the root causes of insecurity through reforms and inclusive governance.

Speaking on Wednesday during the plenary on Peace and Stability at the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), President Tinubu said the current momentum of the Armed Forces serves as a springboard for Nigeria’s national stability and development.

“Our brave armed forces can win many battles, but we do justice to their heroism only when we, as government, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but the causes of terror,” he said. He emphasized that inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law remain Nigeria’s greatest strengths.

The President also urged greater global partnerships based on market-driven cooperation, calling on Japan to support reforms at the United Nations, particularly in expanding Africa’s representation on the Security Council. He reiterated Nigeria’s backing of the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, which demand two permanent seats with veto powers for Africa, alongside more non-permanent seats.

In his remarks at the opening session, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a new collaborative framework with the African Development Bank, pledging up to $5.5 billion to Africa through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He said the package will drive private sector-led growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.

Prime Minister Ishiba also underscored the need for “locally rooted solutions” and mutual understanding, while highlighting Africa’s growing youth population as an economic asset. He urged African nations to harness their demographic advantage through industrialisation and job creation.

President Tinubu further stressed that peace remains the bedrock of development, citing recent mediation efforts in the Congo as evidence that linking peace agreements with economic investment offers a workable model for conflict resolution. He also called for international cooperation to ensure that technology serves as a tool for peace rather than division.

Both leaders expressed optimism that TICAD 9 will deepen Africa-Japan cooperation, strengthen peace, and accelerate sustainable growth across the continent.