President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, insisting that the challenge will not derail ongoing efforts to support vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking on Sunday at his residence in Lagos while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors for the Eid al-Fitr celebration, the President said security concerns featured prominently during his recent engagements in the United Kingdom.
Tinubu noted that his government is intensifying efforts to combat insecurity, describing it as a major obstacle to development and prosperity.
“The next phase of our struggle is the challenge of insecurity. It is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity,” the President said, adding that he is strengthening international partnerships to enhance Nigeria’s security capacity.
He revealed that discussions in the UK centred on security equipment and support, and disclosed that he recently held further talks with Emmanuel Macron on collaboration in the area of security interventions.
According to him, Nigeria is also engaging other nations to secure additional support aimed at improving safety across the country.
President Tinubu, who returned from a three-day state visit to the UK where he was hosted by King Charles III, also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the trip.
Addressing economic concerns, the President warned that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could drive inflation and affect purchasing power, urging governors to implement measures to cushion the impact on citizens.
“We should care more for the vulnerable,” he said, noting that rising global tensions could increase pressure on energy and transportation costs.
Tinubu also called on state governors to remain committed to policies and programmes that directly improve the lives of citizens, while supporting efforts to tackle criminal activities nationwide.
He commended Vice President Shettima for his recent condolence visit to Borno State and assured residents of enhanced security through the deployment of modern technology.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, thanked the President for his leadership and interventions across states.
AbdulRazaq also highlighted ongoing discussions on the establishment of state police, noting that the forum is working with security agencies and the National Assembly to develop a legislative framework.
He described Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK as historic, saying it marked a new phase in bilateral relations and investment opportunities between both countries.
The meeting was attended by governors from across the federation, who joined the President in marking the end of Ramadan and deliberating on national issues.