Japan has announced a $5.5 billion support package for African countries, including Nigeria, during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama. The pledge, made by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, is aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development across the continent.
Speaking at the conference, President Bola Tinubu emphasized that Africa’s security challenges must be addressed through both military strength and socio-economic reforms. He noted that while Nigeria’s armed forces have shown resilience in the fight against terrorism, true victory lies in tackling the root causes of insecurity through inclusive governance, infrastructure development, and strong institutions.Tinubu also called for urgent reforms in the United Nations Security Council, insisting that Africa deserves two permanent seats with veto power and additional non-permanent seats, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. According to him, the current global governance structure is outdated and does not reflect Africa’s growing importance in world affairs.
The Nigerian leader further highlighted the role of innovative diplomacy in conflict resolution, citing recent peace agreements in the Democratic Republic of Congo as an example of how investments and mediation can foster long-term stability. He urged global partners to move beyond mere aid handouts and embrace partnerships driven by market opportunities and shared prosperity.
