President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria will sustain and strengthen its leadership role in Africa and the West African subregion, while pledging continued commitment to democracy, regional security and economic integration.
Gatekeepers News reports that Tinubu spoke on Saturday, September 26, 2026, through Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, at the passing-out ceremony of cadets of the 73rd Regular Course and Short Service Course 49 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
The president said Nigeria would continue to work through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional institutions to promote stability and cooperation across the continent.
He acknowledged the setbacks affecting regional cooperation, particularly in the Sahel, but said Nigeria would maintain its diplomatic and security engagement with neighbouring countries.
“Despite the setbacks in cooperation within the subregion, especially in the Sahel, Nigeria under my leadership, through the auspices of ECOWAS and other regional bodies, will continue to pursue inclusive diplomacy, security cooperation, and economic integration.”
Tinubu said the military’s support for democratic governance would remain important to Nigeria’s role in Africa, particularly as the country seeks to contribute to peace and stability across the region.
“Consequently, with the military’s unalloyed support for democratic governance, Nigeria’s continental and regional leadership role will continue to be upheld and intensified.”
The president’s remarks came against the backdrop of political and security challenges across West Africa, including instability in parts of the Sahel and the withdrawal or strained relations between some countries and ECOWAS.
He said Nigeria would continue to promote democracy and strengthen security cooperation, while also pursuing economic integration among African countries.
Tinubu’s position is consistent with his administration’s broader emphasis on Nigeria’s role in continental diplomacy and regional economic cooperation. Earlier in 2026, Nigeria secured a permanent seat on the board of the African Central Bank, with the foreign ministry describing the development as reflecting the country’s role in shaping Africa’s financial architecture.
At the NDA ceremony, the president also charged the graduating cadets to uphold professionalism, discipline and loyalty as they begin their careers in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He emphasised the importance of the military’s constitutional role in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting democratic institutions.
The president’s latest comments reinforce his administration’s position that Nigeria should remain actively involved in efforts to address security, political and economic challenges affecting West Africa and the wider African continent.
