Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, is anchored on an ambitious mission: to attract over $1 billion in trade and investment.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he and his team aim to accelerate green innovation and industrial growth, expand opportunities for youths, and position the country as the heart and gateway to West Africa’s vast market.
Noting the need for peace to attract investments, he vowed to tackle the underlying causes of terror and praised the Armed Forces for their efforts. According to him, victory over terror will come not only through the might of the armed forces but through reforms that deny extremism fertile ground.
In a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu underscored the central goal of his trip, noting that Nigeria was not attending TICAD9 as a passive participant, but as a continental leader with clarity of purpose.
“At #TICAD9, themed ‘Co-create innovative solutions with Africa,’ Nigeria comes with clarity of purpose. “Our participation aims to unlock $1Billion+ in trade & investment, drive green innovation & industrial growth, expand opportunities for our youth, and position Nigeria as the heart and gateway to West Africa’s vast market,” the President wrote.
He described the summit as a launchpad for “lasting development and global partnership, anchored on technology, talent, and trust”.
The President stressed that the country would lead from the front as Africa charts a path to prosperity, saying “Nigeria will lead, and Africa will rise”. TICAD9, jointly organised by the Japanese government and international development partners, brings together African leaders, global investors, and multilateral institutions to craft solutions for sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Nigeria will defeat terrorism by tackling its root causes
President Tinubu declared that his administration will confront terrorism by addressing its root causes while sustaining the successes recorded on the battlefield. Speaking at the plenary on Peace and Stability during the TICAD9 opening session, he lauded the military for its commitment and courage in defending the country against insurgency, banditry, and criminality.
He said the sacrifices of the Armed Forces had created the foundation for peace and stability, which his government is determined to consolidate with reforms, investments, and inclusive governance.
“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,” the President said. He emphasised that lasting victory against insecurity lies in combining military gains with strong social and economic reforms.
“We have learned that our brave armed forces can win many battles. But we can do justice to their heroism and sacrifice only when we, as governments, display the courage to be tough, not only on terror, but on the causes of terror,” he added.
President Tinubu reaffirmed that inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law remain Nigeria’s greatest strengths, describing the current momentum in the armed forces as a springboard for national development and stability.
He said the government was deepening investments in infrastructure, institutional reforms, and collaboration with civil society and international partners to improve living standards across the country.
“We should be under no illusions about the scale of our task. But neither should we underestimate the successes we have had.
“In the past, competition for resources has weakened states and triggered conflict. “Now, we see mediators directly linking outcomes to investment in Congo.
“It is working and underlines the need for fresh thinking in everything we do to deliver peace and stability,” he stated.
President Tinubu renewed Nigeria’s call for reforms at the United Nations Security Council, stressing the need for fairer African 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.
“Africa also deserves additional seats in the non–permanent seat category of the President Tinubu also urged international cooperation in ensuring that technology becomes a tool for peace and trust rather than division and alienation.
Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, announced a new collaborative economic framework between Japan and the African Development Bank that will see a maximum of $5.5 billion mobilised for Africa through the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s private sector investment finance.
“We will nurture and expand the industrial ecosystem between Japan and Africa.Council, as encapsulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration,” he said.
