Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to countering contemporary threats against the country.
He stated this at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026 held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday.
The president, who spoke through the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said the country’s Armed Forces have long stood as a model of celebrated service to the people and a source of strength across the continent.
Tinubu disclosed that their devotion to neutralizing threats in this part of the world extends beyond Nigeria’s borders and becomes a real contribution to global security, peace and stability.
“It is a recognition of these that I feel deeply honored to join you here today”, adding that “Nigerian soldiers stood where the nation was most vulnerable and held the line so that ordinary life might continue.”
The president declared: “I join you today with the proponents of national duty to celebrate the Nigerian Army’s celebration that carries within the African land forces forum probably hosted by the Nigerian Army here in the vibrant garden city of Port Harcourt.”
President Tinubu said the theme of this celebration, “protecting the nation and serving the people, a way forward by the Nigerian Army,” speaks of the cooperation between the people and security agencies.
According to the president, “It reminds us that the Nigerian Army draws its full strength from the trust of the citizens it exists to defend.”
He expressed further: “As I felicitate with the Nigerian Army on its 163rd year anniversary, my thoughts turn to the officers and soldiers who gave their lives”, to uphold the unity of the country.
The president expressed appreciation for “the efforts and sacrifices of the sister services, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, as well as the other security and law enforcement agencies standing on watch across our territory. “
Tinubu stated further that his administration is committed to modernizing the Army to enhance its capacity to meet contemporary security challenges.
“We, therefore align with the aim of the great minds to amplify binary leadership in diverse diplomacy and to enhance our Army’s operational capabilities through shared expertise.
According to the president, successive governments had made efforts to rebound the Defence Industry’s Cooperation of Nigeria (DICON) and the coming on board of the African Land Forces Forum, to promote the growth of the nation’s defence institutions.
He expressed optimism: “It is my hope that this strategic partnership will be a great boost to the efforts of DICON to produce high-end combat enablers with bright prospects for your creation and local content development.
“The partnership will also create avenues for intelligence sharing and coordination among nations, collaboration for border security, the building of capacity for counterterrorism operations, and the establishment of regional stand-by forces.
“Other areas of mutual benefit lie in the realm of promoting cyber security resilience, addressing climate-induced security risk, and exploring the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for national security. It is my hope that your interactions cover these areas.”
He declared: “My administration is firmly committed to countering contemporary threats through the adoption of emerging technologies, and the building of capacity across all battle spaces, thereby improving operational planning and combat readiness.
“Accordingly, focused and sustained research and development efforts aimed at advancing technologies and strengthening homegrown innovations are steadily progressing.
“The revitalization of the Defence Industry’s Cooperation of Nigeria since is the heart of this ambition, and the partnership represented by this forum promises fresh momentum for local production.
The president, however, charged the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, maintain professionalism always and sustain their integrity.
In his speech, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, thanked the Army command for choosing Rivers State for this year’s NADCEL, saying it signifies peaceful disposition of the state.
He added that Nigerian Army has shown capacity in protecting the country, and assured supporting security agencies operating in Rivers because their success is as well a success to the state.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said Nigerian Army has maintained resilience in protecting the territorial integrity of the country.
He the 2026 NADCEL was crucial to the Army, adding that the country’s security challenges require the involvement and cooperation of all stakeholders to contain them.
The COAS reiterated the commitment of Army and other security agencies in the protection of critical national assets, stressing the importance of strengthening the military in the protection and defence of lives and property.
