President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday declared that his administration will not allow rising insecurity to derail its efforts to protect vulnerable Nigerians, even as global tensions threaten to worsen economic conditions at home.
Speaking at his Lagos residence during an Eid-el-Fitr gathering with Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors, the President said his government is scaling up security collaborations with international partners while pursuing modern solutions to curb violence across the country.
Tinubu revealed that security cooperation featured prominently in his recent engagements in the United Kingdom, adding that discussions have since extended to France.
“Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity,” the President said. “We are strengthening the necessary contacts and networks. One of the major discussions in the United Kingdom was on equipment and support. Just yesterday, I had a lengthy conversation with President Emmanuel Macron. They are collaborating with us on equipment and support, and we are reaching out to other nations.”
The President, who returned on Friday from a three-day state visit to the UK hosted by King Charles III, also held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with security and economic cooperation topping the agenda.
Despite the security concerns, Tinubu stressed that the welfare of ordinary Nigerians—especially the most vulnerable—remains central to his administration’s priorities. He warned, however, that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could trigger fresh inflationary pressures, particularly on energy and transportation, further straining household incomes.
“We must care more for the vulnerable,” he said. “The Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect purchasing power. Labour unions and others will naturally demand more support, and we must be prepared.”
He urged governors to remain resolute in translating policy ideas into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives, while also stepping up local interventions to cushion the economic fallout of global shocks.
Tinubu also commended Vice President Shettima for his recent condolence visit to Borno State, assuring residents of renewed federal commitment to deploying advanced technology in strengthening security architecture in the region.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, praised the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and lauded the outcome of the UK visit, describing it as a significant step in redefining bilateral relations.
“Together, we must ensure that insecurity is brought to an end,” AbdulRazaq said, noting that discussions on the establishment of state police were progressing. According to him, the Forum is working with security agencies and the National Security Adviser to develop a framework that will be forwarded to the National Assembly.
Governors in attendance included Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Alex Otti (Abia), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mufwang (Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).
Also present was the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur.
The gathering, held against the backdrop of Eid celebrations, underscored a rare moment of political unity, with federal and state leaders aligning on the urgent need to confront insecurity while shielding Nigerians from the ripple effects of global economic instability.
Leave a comment
