President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that rising insecurity will not derail his administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, as he unveiled renewed efforts to strengthen security through international partnerships and coordinated domestic action.
Speaking on Sunday while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors at his Lagos residence for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, the President said the next major challenge confronting the country is insecurity, which he described as a direct threat to development and prosperity.
“We will not allow insecurity to overshadow our efforts at helping the vulnerable,” Tinubu said, stressing that his government is taking decisive steps to enhance security capabilities through global collaboration.
The President revealed that discussions during his recent state visit to the United Kingdom focused significantly on acquiring modern security equipment and operational support. He added that he has also secured ongoing cooperation from Emmanuel Macron, noting that France is working with Nigeria to provide critical security assistance.
“I had a lengthy discussion with President Macron. They are collaborating with us for equipment and support. I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had returned on Friday from a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where they were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The President also held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with discussions yielding investment agreements and strengthened bilateral ties.
Beyond security, Tinubu warned that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could worsen inflationary pressures in Nigeria, particularly affecting energy and transportation costs. He urged governors to introduce targeted interventions to cushion the impact on citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
“We should care more for the vulnerable,” he said, noting that labour unions may demand increased government support as global economic pressures mount.
The President also called on governors to remain committed to policies that directly improve livelihoods and to support federal efforts in combating criminal activities, which he described as a form of “tyranny.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the President’s leadership and described the recent UK visit as historic, noting it was Nigeria’s first state visit to the UK in 37 years.
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He also disclosed that discussions on the establishment of state police are advancing, with the forum set to present a legislative framework to the National Assembly following consultations with security agencies led by the National Security Adviser.
The meeting brought together governors from across the federation, reflecting a unified front in addressing insecurity and economic challenges facing the country.
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