President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will not allow rising insecurity to undermine ongoing efforts to support vulnerable citizens, pledging intensified action to restore safety across the country.
Speaking on Sunday at his Lagos residence while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the President said security remained a top priority discussed during his recent engagements in the United Kingdom.
“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country,” Tinubu said. “Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity.”
He revealed that his government is strengthening international partnerships to boost Nigeria’s security capacity, including a recent “lengthy discussion” with French President Emmanuel Macron focused on the provision of equipment and technical support.
“For me, I have committed to strengthening further the contacts and networks that are necessary. One of the major discussions in the United Kingdom was on equipment and support,” he said, adding that efforts were ongoing to engage other nations.
According to the President, similar engagements were held in the United Kingdom, where he met with King Charles III and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a three-day state visit.
Tinubu also raised concerns about the economic implications of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, warning that it could drive inflation and reduce purchasing power in Nigeria.
“We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power,” he said. “The labour union and others will be gearing to ask us to support more due to the effect of the Middle East war and crisis.”
The President urged state governors to remain proactive in implementing policies that directly impact citizens and to collaborate with the federal government in combating criminal activities, which he described as “tyranny.”
He also called on governors to introduce measures to cushion the effects of rising energy and transportation costs linked to global instability.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the President’s leadership and described the UK state visit as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s international relations.
“Together, we must see that the issue of insecurity comes to an end,” AbdulRazaq said.
He added that discussions on the establishment of state police were ongoing, noting that the Governors’ Forum would present its proposals to the National Assembly to facilitate a legislative framework.
The meeting was attended by governors from across the federation, alongside senior government officials, as part of post-Ramadan engagements and consultations on national issues.
Tinubu also appreciated Vice President Shettima for his recent condolence visit to Borno State and assured residents of enhanced protection through the deployment of modern security technology.