By Ayo Ayodele
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration will not allow rising insecurity to undermine ongoing efforts to support vulnerable Nigerians, while reaffirming his commitment to strengthening national security through both local and international partnerships.
The President made this known on Sunday in Lagos when he hosted Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors at his residence to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Speaking during the gathering, Tinubu said insecurity remains a major challenge confronting the nation, stressing that his administration is intensifying efforts to address it.
“Your presence here today and the number show your sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness.
“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country.
“I am making all the efforts to ensure that we collectively share the joy of our victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity. I am glad you are all mindful of the challenge.
“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.
“I can report to you that yesterday, again, I had a lengthy discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. They are collaborating with us for equipment and support. I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations,” the President stated.
President Tinubu and the 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. During the visit, the President also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Highlighting economic concerns, the President warned that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could trigger inflationary pressures and affect purchasing power, urging governors to take proactive steps.
“We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power. 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,” he added.
Tinubu further urged state governors to remain steadfast in implementing policies that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods and to support efforts to tackle criminality across the country. He also called on them to provide incentives to cushion the impact of rising energy and transportation costs.
The President commended Vice President Shettima for his condolence visit to Borno State, assuring residents of improved protection through modern security technology.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, thanked the President for his continued support to states under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, we bring your excellency, season greetings from the people of our various states. We thank the Almighty God for His mercies that saw us through the month of Ramadan.
“We pray that the Almighty God will see us through the period of Lent, and grant us sustainable peace,” he said.
AbdulRazaq also congratulated the President on the successful State Visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s diplomatic relations.
“While our mission has been to have a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the State Visit, first in 37 years, is bold and significant. It speaks to new levels of relationship with Nigeria, and we thank you for it.
“Together, we must see that the issue of insecurity comes to an end. Regarding state police, discussions are ongoing with various security agencies led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contributions. The NGF will take the document to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for the state police,” he noted.
Governors present at the meeting included those from Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe and Ondo states, alongside the Deputy Governor of Borno State.
The gathering formed part of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations and provided a platform for federal and state leaders to deliberate on pressing national issues, particularly security and economic stability.