President Bola Tinubu has called on African leaders to adopt new approaches to peace-building by tying stability to investment, insisting that security gains must be matched with governance reforms.

Speaking on Wednesday at the plenary session on Peace and Stability at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their role in pushing back insurgency and criminality, but warned that military victories alone were not enough.

“Nigeria’s brave armed forces can win any number of battles, but we do justice to their heroism only when we, as government, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the underlying causes,” he said in remarks issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

He described inclusivity, diversity and respect for the rule of law as Nigeria’s greatest strengths, adding that the momentum within the Armed Forces should be “a springboard for national development and stability.” Tinubu also urged the continent not to overlook the progress already made, citing recent mediation successes in the Congo as evidence that linking peace with economic growth could work.

“We should be under no illusions about the scale of our task. But neither should we underestimate the successes we have had,” he told the gathering of leaders and delegates.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s presence at TICAD9 drew online attention after a viral post claimed the country’s booth appeared empty. The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the suggestion, clarifying that the booth had not yet been inaugurated.

In an X post issued on Wednesday, the ministry clarified that the stand would be formally opened on August 21 and then become fully operational to serve delegates throughout the summit.

The three-day summit is expected to run from Wednesday, 20 to Friday, August 22 focusing on the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa.”

The main objectives of the conference are; driving Africa’s economic development, enhancing business environments and institutions through private investment and innovation, and advancing a resilient, sustainable African society based on peace, stability, and human security.