Insecurity a Major Obstacle to Africa’s Development — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized that insecurity remains one of the most significant barriers to Africa’s development and growth, calling for stronger regional cooperation to address the issue.

Speaking during a meeting with Ethiopia’s newly appointed Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile, at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu highlighted that sustainable peace and stability must be driven by Africa itself.

“We need to continue pursuing peace on our continent. We need to work hard together to promote peace and stability. Our challenge in Africa is insecurity. Insecurity detracts from development. We do not have anybody that will bring peace to us, except we work for it,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

The meeting also focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia, with an emphasis on cultural exchange and regional security. Ambassador Haile expressed his commitment to continuing the work of his predecessors and enhancing cultural relations, particularly through the Ethiopian Airline.

In a separate diplomatic engagement, Tinubu received Dr. Julius F. Sandy, the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to Nigeria, who thanked Nigeria for its long-standing support of Sierra Leone’s development. Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to supporting progress and peace across West Africa.

“Nigeria’s interest in developing the West Coast and Africa remains a priority,” he said. “In Sierra Leone, more Nigerians are doing business than Sierra Leoneans. Most of my teachers in school were Nigerians. There is no difference between a Nigerian and a Sierra Leonean when you are walking on the streets of Freetown,” Sandy added, expressing gratitude for Nigeria’s continuous support.

The President also met with Pasquale Salvaggio, Canada’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, who briefed him on the contributions of Nigerians living in Canada, including their achievements in education, sports, science, and business. Salvaggio praised the role of Nigerians in Canada’s success and highlighted that Nigeria is Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa.

“For us, Nigeria is a key partner. You are the largest country in Africa, with one of the largest economies. You are also Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa,” Salvaggio said, emphasizing Canada’s intent to strengthen ties with Nigeria, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, ICT, and agriculture.

Tinubu welcomed the opportunity to deepen Nigeria-Canada relations and praised the accomplishments of Nigerians abroad. “It is good to hear about how Nigerians are doing well in the diaspora again,” he said, noting that these achievements serve as an inspiration to the younger generation and boost Nigeria’s global image.

The President also hosted Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Nigeria. He acknowledged the significant role the Catholic Church plays in improving education and fighting poverty in Nigeria. “We have a lot of value for education in Nigeria, and the Catholic Church has done a lot in that regard, as well as in fighting poverty. Education reduces ignorance and poverty,” Tinubu said.

As African nations continue to face security challenges, Tinubu’s message underscored the importance of regional cooperation, emphasizing that the future of the continent depends on its ability to secure peace and drive development from within.