Dec 13, 2025
From PETER TITLE, Kuru
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, has graduated participants of its Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47/2025, charging them to develop practical ideas aimed at curtailing the insecurity that has continued to bedevil the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave the charge on Saturday during the graduation ceremony of 96 participants held at the institute, following ten months of rigorous, impactful and intensive studies and research.
The President, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, stated that he had directed NIPSS to undertake a nationwide security diagnostic to inform urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.
He explained that the directive was anchored on the need to safeguard the country’s emerging blue economy framework.
According to him, the Federal Government had unveiled a new security-economic blueprint designed to unlock Nigeria’s marine and aquatic wealth.
President Tinubu pointed out that the security review must produce actionable recommendations that would receive “the utmost attention” of the Presidency.
Speaking on the study theme of Senior Executive Course 47, ‘Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’, the president explained that Nigeria’s economic ambitions in the blue economy would not materialise without a safe and stable environment.
He noted that although piracy had reduced through ongoing security initiatives, oil theft, smuggling, illegal fishing, vandalism and kidnapping continue to undermine national revenues and investor confidence.
“These threats are real, and the administration is taking decisive steps to address them,” he said.
The President added that NIPSS had therefore been assigned an expanded national security mandate because of its proven analytical rigour and strategic relevance.
He commended Governor Mutfwang for the support the Plateau State Government had consistently rendered the institute.
President Tinubu also advised the graduands to uphold and sustain the friendships they built over the months for a better future.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, thanked the Federal Government for supporting the institute in various spheres.
He praised members of SEC 47/2025 for their analytical depth, teamwork and commitment to the institute’s mandate.
Professor Omotayo noted that their final reports demonstrated a strong grasp of Nigeria’s strategic environment.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NIPSS Governing Board, Senator Ken Nnamani, welcomed the President, who was represented by the Vice President.
He appreciated the Federal Government for extending the required support to the institute.
In a goodwill message, Governor Mutfwang congratulated the graduands and urged them to be pacesetters in their various fields of endeavour.
The Monitor-General of SEC 47, Colonel Sani Daroda, disclosed that the study enabled participants to explore the intersections of the blue economy and national security.
He stated that the course produced actionable recommendations capable of driving sustainable development.
According to him, while the challenges were significant, the opportunities were equally immense with focused efforts.
Colonel Daroda assured that the participants would implement their training as strategic leaders in their respective fields.
“This is not just the culmination of our efforts, but the beginning of impactful contributions to national progress,” he said.
A Permanent Secretary in the Plateau State Civil Service, Keziah Dung, was among the graduands.