President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration is intensifying high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at mobilising strategic international support, including advanced military equipment and specialised training, to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and decisively combat terrorism and banditry.
The President spoke in Lagos on Sunday, when he hosted a delegation of governors led by the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, who paid him a Sallah homage at his residence, expressing appreciation for their show of solidarity and unity.
Highlighting outcomes of his recent two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, President Tinubu noted that security cooperation featured prominently in his discussions with British authorities, particularly in the area of military support and capacity building.
He further revealed that he recently also held a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on deepening collaboration with France in the provision of security equipment and strategic support.
I thank you all for what we’ve done, and I would like to mention that the next phase of our struggle is upon us: the challenge of insecurity in this country. I am making every effort to ensure that we, collectively, will share the joy and be proud of our victory over tyranny.
You say it’s not time for policy talk, but we have a pyramid to work on in the states. I will not single out any state. I observed several things you are doing; you are all doing well, but you can improve in caring for the vulnerable.
“We are facing the next phase of our struggle. It’s the challenge of insecurity in this country, and I’m making all the efforts to ensure it is us, collectively, that will share the joy and be proud of victory over tyranny,” the president said.
The president further emphasised that, beyond camaraderie, the country must now focus on tackling insecurity, which he described as a major obstacle to national development.
He cautioned that insecurity remained a direct threat to progress and prosperity, stressing the need for coordinated efforts among federal and state authorities.
“Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity. That’s what insecurity is all about. And I’m glad you are all mindful of the challenge,” President Tinubu said.
The president also urged governors to deepen their interventions at the state level, particularly in supporting vulnerable citizens, noting that governance must address both security and welfare concerns.
He cautioned that global developments, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, could trigger inflationary pressures and worsen the cost of living in Nigeria.
“I know this Middle East crisis will elicit inflation and affect our purchasing power. The labour unions and others will be gearing up to ask us for support due to the effects of the Middle East War and rising prices at the pumps, which are causing transportation problems and high costs.”
President Tinubu extended condolences to Vice President Kashim Shettima over recent incidents in Borno State, commending his swift return to the state and sympathising with affected communities.
Shettima, I appreciate your actions: you returned immediately to Borno and collectively sent your sympathy and condolences to our people there. We are with you.”
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to intensify investments in technology and equipment to decisively defeat terrorism and criminality.
“As our investment in technology and equipment that will defeat terrorism, we must defeat terrorism and all of these characters who want to turn Nigeria to…”
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, commended President Bola Tinubu for what they described as a historic and highly successful state visit to the United Kingdom, noting that the first such visit in 37 years indicated renewed global confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and opened new frontiers for investment and prosperity.
The governors were hopeful that the stronger relationships and agreements made during the visit would lead to real economic benefits and better security, and they promised to work together with the federal government and security agencies to address insecurity, support the Renewed Hope Agenda, and improve the well-being of Nigerians in every state.
“Your Excellency, we congratulate you on the successful state visit to the United Kingdom and the many successes and investment proposals achieved during the trip. While our nation has always enjoyed a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the state visit was the first in 37 years.
“This is bold and significant. It speaks to the new leadership lease in Nigeria, and we thank you and congratulate you for that, sir. We are confident that the bilateral agreement presently signed and the new rapprochement on issues of shared interest, which would strengthen the existing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, will bring more prosperity to our people.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for prosecuting the Renewed Hope Agenda in a way that has made Nigerians proud more than ever before. Every Nigerian now has a stake in the nation building. We believe that your efforts will translate to improved security in every part of our country.” Gov. AbdulRazaq added.