President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria will intensify efforts against insecurity, revealing fresh security collaborations with France and other partners while urging governors to protect vulnerable citizens amid inflation concerns.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will intensify efforts to tackle insecurity across the country, stressing that the safety and well-being of citizens remain central to ongoing international engagements.
Speaking on Sunday at his Lagos residence during an Eid-el-Fitr gathering with Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors, the President said discussions held during his recent visit to the United Kingdom focused significantly on modern security support and collaboration.
Tinubu disclosed that he had also followed up with French President Emmanuel Macron on security cooperation, including equipment and technical assistance.
“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country,” Tinubu said, describing insecurity as “an enemy of development, progress and prosperity.”
He added that his administration was expanding international contacts to secure advanced security equipment and partnerships. According to him, discussions in the United Kingdom centered on support for modern security interventions, while additional diplomatic engagements were ongoing with other countries.
The President and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, returned to Nigeria on Friday after a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where they were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Tinubu also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the trip.
Addressing governors, Tinubu emphasized the need to protect vulnerable citizens, warning that the Middle East crisis could worsen inflation and reduce purchasing power.
“We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power,” he said, urging governors to introduce incentives to cushion rising energy and transportation costs.
The President also encouraged state leaders to translate development ideas into policies that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods while supporting federal efforts to confront criminality.
Tinubu further commended Shettima for a condolence visit to Borno State and assured residents of stronger protection through new security technology.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq thanked the President for interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda and congratulated him on the United Kingdom visit.
He described the trip as significant, noting that it marked the first state visit in 37 years and reflected deepening bilateral relations.
AbdulRazaq also said discussions on state police were ongoing, adding that the governors’ forum would forward proposals to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.
Governors present at the meeting included Hope Uzodinma, Alex Otti, Umo Eno, Douye Diri, Hyacinth Alia, Bassey Otu, Sheriff Oborevwori, Francis Nwifuru, Monday Okpebholo, Peter Mbah, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya and Umar Namadi.
Others were Abba Kabir Yusuf, Dikko Umaru Radda, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abdullahi Sule, Caleb Mufwang, Siminalayi Fubara, Agbu Kefas, Mai Mala Buni and Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, also attended the meeting.
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