By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to step up efforts to combat insecurity across Nigeria, declaring that his administration will not allow security challenges to derail its programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens.
The President made the commitment on Sunday in Lagos while hosting Vice-President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors at his residence to mark the Eid el-Fitr celebration.
Addressing the gathering, Tinubu described insecurity as a major obstacle to national development, progress and prosperity, stressing that tackling it remains a top priority for his government.
“The next phase of our struggle is the challenge of insecurity in the country,” the President said, noting that he was strengthening international partnerships to address the problem.
He disclosed that discussions on security cooperation featured prominently during his recent visit to the United Kingdom, particularly in the areas of equipment acquisition and operational support.
Tinubu further revealed that he had held a “lengthy discussion” with Emmanuel Macron, adding that France had expressed willingness to collaborate with Nigeria by providing security equipment and assistance.
“I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations,” he added, signalling a broader diplomatic push to secure international backing in the fight against insecurity.
The President and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, had 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.
During the trip, Tinubu also held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Beyond security, the President expressed concern over the potential economic impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis, warning that it could fuel inflation and weaken citizens’ purchasing power.
“We should care more for the vulnerable,” Tinubu said, urging governors to introduce measures that would cushion the effects of rising costs, particularly in energy and transportation.
He also called on state leaders to remain committed to translating their policy ideas into programmes that directly improve the welfare of citizens, while supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to defeat criminal elements.
Tinubu commended Vice-President Shettima for his recent condolence visit to Borno State, assuring residents of enhanced security through the deployment of modern technology.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, lauded the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and interventions across states.
He also congratulated Tinubu on what he described as a successful state visit to the United Kingdom, noting that it marked the first such visit in 37 years and signalled a new phase in bilateral relations.
On the issue of security reform, AbdulRazaq disclosed that discussions on the establishment of state police were ongoing, with inputs from the Nigerian Governors Forum and security agencies led by the National Security Adviser.
He said the Forum would present its proposals to the National Assembly in a bid to create a legal framework for state policing.
Governors from across the federation attended the meeting, including those of Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Enugu, Delta, and Ondo states, among others, in a show of solidarity and collective commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges.
