The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant‑General Waidi Shaibu, joined former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and senior defence and security officials on Monday for the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 Graduation Lecture at Abacha Hall, NDC, Abuja.
Delivered by Mr Jonathan, the lecture — titled “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa” — examined the strategic link between industrial development, economic resilience and sustainable security across the continent. It drew the Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector‑General of Police, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, the Director‑General of the Department of State Services and other senior security stakeholders.
Speakers and participants warned that evolving security threats increasingly require more than military responses, urging stronger indigenous productive capacity, deeper technological advancement and reduced external dependency to shore up national resilience. They argued that boosting industrialisation and creating sustainable economic opportunities can help address underlying drivers of instability and strengthen regional stability.
The gathering underscored the need for a whole‑of‑government approach to national security — one that integrates military capability with economic strength, technology and effective governance. The lecture formed part of activities marking the completion of NDC Course 34 and reaffirmed the College’s role in preparing senior military, security and civilian leaders for complex national and regional challenges.
