Nigeria’s Military Praised at TICAD 9; Japan Pledges $5.5B for Africa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their significant victories against insurgency and crime, calling their success a “springboard for national development.” Speaking at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Japan, he said his administration is committed to addressing the root causes of insecurity through economic reforms and institutional strengthening. He added that the country’s greatest strengths are inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law.
The President emphasized that while the military can win battles, the government must also be courageous in addressing the underlying causes of conflict. He highlighted how new models of mediation and economic incentives have brought success, such as recent peace pacts in the Congo. He also called on the Japanese government to support the campaign for reforms within the United Nations to give Africa a greater voice, including two permanent seats on the Security Council.
Meanwhile, during the conference, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged a collaborative economic framework with the African Development Bank, committing up to $5.5 billion to Africa. The funding, to be disbursed via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will focus on private sector-led growth, empowering youth and women, and fostering regional integration.
Prime Minister Ishiba also appealed to African nations for assistance as Japan faces its own challenges with a declining population and shrinking agricultural land. He underscored Africa’s youthful population as a major asset, suggesting that manufacturing industries could be a key to unlocking the full potential of young people and improving productivity across the continent.
