Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is escalating calls for regional and international support to combat insecurity in Nigeria and restore stability across the Sahel region.
Idris stated this on Sunday after visiting President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, where he highlighted the significance of the recent visit of Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to Abuja last week, describing it as timely and strategic in the face of security concerns across the region.
Reaffirming President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships to tackle terrorism and other security threats across the region, the Minister explained that the meeting between President Tinubu and his Chadian counterpart, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, reflects the urgent need for deeper cooperation among Nigeria, Chad and other neighbouring countries.
He stressed that such collective action is critical to curbing the spread of terrorism and violent extremism.
“It is very significant because Nigeria is fighting terrorism. Terrorism has no borders, we all know, especially with the issues happening within the Sahel. It is almost impossible for Nigeria to act alone, and as I said earlier…the President said regional cooperation, especially with our neighbours.
“It is absolutely impossible, so the visit of President Derby to Abuja to see Mr President on the same day that he went to Jos is very significant.
“A number of issues were discussed, including how the cooperation can be further deepened between Nigeria and Chad – not just the two nations but also our neighbours – to ensure that all the security challenges in the Sahel are actually curtailed because without that it will become almost impossible for us to fight insecurity.
According to the Minister, President Tinubu’s security drive also extended beyond the region, noting that the Nigerian leader has continued to engage international partners, including the European Union, the United Nations, the United States and the United Kingdom, in search of sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
“This is in addition to what Mr President is doing with our international partners: the EU, the UN, the US, the UK…all of them.
“Recall that even when the President went to the UK, security was also top on the agenda, and a number of issues relating to how Nigeria will solve this issue of insecurity once and for all were also discussed.
“So these are all things the President is looking at . Even as he’s doing the Easter break, it is also a working Easter for the President as he continues to think about Nigeria.” The Minister stated.
Idris further noted that President Tinubu, though currently observing the Easter break , yet remains actively engaged in matters of governance and national security, describing the holiday as a “working Easter” for the President.
He assured Nigerians that the President remains focused on delivering on the promises made to citizens, particularly in the areas of security, stability and national development.
“He will continue to work to ensure that all the promises made to Nigerians are actually delivered” The Minister added.
“He just came back from Jos and security is uppermost in his mind. He keeps talking and discussing with the security agencies on how we can find a lasting solution and to ensure that we bring lasting peace to our country.”
On the economy, the Minister added that the President is encouraged by positive feedback from international development partners and global financial institutions, which he noted are increasingly acknowledging Nigeria’s reform efforts and renewed direction.
“He is also happy with some of the reports that he has been getting from the international development partners and international finance agencies; they are all giving Nigeria a pass mark. Everybody is seeing that Nigeria is working in the interest of Nigerians, and Nigeria is finding its place in the committee of nations once again,” he said.
He added that President Tinubu is dedicated to maintaining ongoing reforms and ensuring they yield tangible benefits for all Nigerians.
The Minister further reassured Nigerians that President Tinubu is closely monitoring developments across the country and listening to public concerns. He called on citizens to remain united, reflect deeply on national issues and demonstrate renewed patriotism, especially as the government intensifies efforts to tackle insecurity.
“Mr President is listening; he’s a key watcher of events, and as the commander in chief, he has asked Nigerians to once again come together to reflect and think deeply about Nigeria and be more patriotic.
“As he works to ensure the issues of insecurity are resolved once and for all,” The Minister stated.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation also conveyed the President’s assurance that he is attentive to the concerns of stakeholders in the media industry.
He revealed that one of the first issues raised during the meeting was the welfare and operational environment of media organisations following recent engagements between the President and media executives.
“Mr President has the media industry in mind… A number of issues were raised, and Mr President is looking at them dispassionately. He has asked me for my input and is going to take the final decision on how he can help the media to do its work better,” Idris said.
BUA Chairman’s Visit
Meanwhile, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, also met with the President at his Lagos residence, where he paid Eid al-Fitr homage and extended birthday wishes.
Rabiu described the visit as a longstanding tradition, noting that although the Sallah celebrations had passed, it was important to personally convey goodwill and prayers to the President.
“I also took the opportunity to extend birthday wishes to His Excellency… I offered my prayers for good health, long life, wisdom, and continued strength as he leads our nation,” he said.
He added that the visit was to reaffirm his appreciation and continued support for the President