A coalition of civil society groups led by the Civil Society for Peace, Security and Development, CSPSD, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs for their efforts to address insecurity and strengthen national security.

The coalition made the commendation in Abuja while addressing a press conference after a solidarity rally to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

The National Coordinator of the group, Dr Kabiru Muhammed, said the coalition recognised what it described as the efforts of the Armed Forces, police, intelligence agencies and other security formations to address terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

According to Muhammed, security agencies had intensified intelligence-led operations, surveillance and inter-agency coordination under the Tinubu administration.

The coalition said these measures had contributed to ongoing efforts to disrupt the activities of terrorist, bandit and kidnapping networks across the country.

It also commended the leadership of the security chiefs for what it described as their operational commitment to addressing emerging threats, while noting that the President had continued to provide policy direction and support for the country’s security architecture.

“Under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; and Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the security agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations, joint deployments, surveillance, community engagement and coordinated responses to emerging threats,” the statement said.

Economic reforms, infrastructure

The coalition also welcomed the Federal Government’s investments in infrastructure, education, energy, youth development, technology and economic reforms, describing them as areas of importance to the country’s development.

It acknowledged that the administration’s economic reforms had resulted in adjustments and hardships for citizens but said the coalition viewed the reforms as efforts to address what it described as longstanding structural challenges.

“The Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, although accompanied by significant adjustments and hardships for citizens, have been aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges and creating a more sustainable foundation for the delivery of democratic dividends in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” it said.

The coalition also commended ongoing road and rail projects across the country, citing government figures indicating that more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads were under construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation.

It also acknowledged ongoing railway modernisation projects.

On the energy sector, the group highlighted efforts to expand domestic refining capacity, strengthen the power sector and promote alternative energy initiatives, including Compressed Natural Gas, CNG.

The coalition said investments in electricity infrastructure and renewable energy, as well as efforts to address outstanding obligations in the power sector, were also ongoing.

Human capital development

On human capital development, the group acknowledged federal programmes targeting education, housing, healthcare and economic opportunities.

It specifically cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, which it said had provided higher-education financing to more than 1.5 million students, as well as federal housing initiatives aimed at expanding access to accommodation and creating employment.

While commending the administration, the coalition urged the Federal Government to sustain its efforts and ensure that the benefits of its policies translated into improved living conditions.

It called for greater attention to employment opportunities, food security, affordable transportation, reliable electricity, education and healthcare.

The coalition also called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing useful information, promote peaceful coexistence and uphold national unity.

It congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence anniversary, expressing optimism that sustained reforms, security efforts and responsible citizenship would contribute to a safer and more prosperous country.