President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration will not allow rising insecurity to derail social welfare efforts, announcing new international partnerships for military equipment and high-tech interventions to protect Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.
Speaking at his Lagos residence on Sunday during an Eid-el-Fitr gathering with Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors, the President revealed that his recent diplomatic mission to the United Kingdom and subsequent talks with France have centered on securing advanced hardware to combat domestic threats.
Global Alliances Against Domestic Tyranny
Fresh from a three-day State Visit to the United Kingdom the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years President Tinubu detailed a next phase in the struggle for national stability. He emphasized that progress is impossible while criminal elements persist.
“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country,” President Tinubu stated. “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.”
The President further disclosed a lengthy discussion held on Saturday with French President Emmanuel Macron, confirming that France is actively collaborating with Nigeria to provide technical support and military resources.
Cushioning the Blow of Middle East Volatility
Addressing the economic landscape, the President warned that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East is expected to spike global inflation, particularly affecting energy and transportation costs. He urged governors to be proactive in implementing policies that protect the purchasing power of the masses before labor unions begin agitating for relief.
“We should care more for the vulnerable,” Tinubu urged the governors. “I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation… I advise you to provide further incentives to cushion the inflationary impact.”
State Police and Legislative Framework
In response, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, pledged the governors’ full cooperation. He highlighted that the NGF is currently working with the National Security Adviser to finalize a document for the National Assembly, aiming to establish a formal legislative framework for state police.
Attendance List: Governors in Consultation
The high-level meeting saw a broad coalition of leaders from across the federation. The governors in attendance included: Sen. Hope Uzodinma, Imo State; Alex Otti, Abia State; Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State; Douye Diri, Bayelsa State; Hyacinth Alia, Benue State; Bassey Otu, Cross River State; Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State; Francis Nwifuru, Ebonyi State; Monday Okpebholo, Edo State; Peter Mbah, Enugu State; Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State; and Umar Namadi, Jigawa State.
Others: Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State; Dikko Umaru Radda, Katsina State; Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State; Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State; Caleb Mufwang, Plateau State; Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State; Agbu Keffas, Taraba State; Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State. The deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, was also at the meeting.
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