President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians of a renewed and more coordinated push to tackle insecurity, declaring that the next critical phase of his administration’s agenda is to confront the nation’s persistent security challenges head-on.
The President gave the assurance on Sunday while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors at his Lagos residence to mark the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid el-Fitr.
“Your presence here today and the number show your sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness. The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country,” Tinubu said, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“I am making all the efforts to ensure that we collectively share the joy of our victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity. I am glad you are all mindful of the challenge.
“For me, 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.
“I can report to you that yesterday, again, I had a lengthy discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. They are collaborating with us for equipment and support. I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations,’’ he stated.
The President’s remarks come amid renewed security concerns across parts of the country, including persistent banditry in the North-West, insurgency in the North-East, and communal clashes in parts of the Middle Belt.
Tinubu urged Governors to complement federal efforts by prioritising the welfare of vulnerable citizens, particularly as global tensions—especially the ongoing crisis in the Middle East—continue to drive inflationary pressures.
“We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power. The labour union and others will be gearing up to ask us to support more due to the effect of the Middle East war and crisis,” he said.
His warning comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with a sharp rise in the cost of living, driven largely by high energy prices. Petrol prices have surged nationwide, with many filling stations dispensing at over ₦1,300 per litre, further increasing transportation and food costs.
The President also called on state governments to introduce targeted relief measures to cushion the impact of rising inflation and to remain committed to policies that directly improve citizens’ livelihoods. He stressed the need for collective action in defeating what he described as the “tyranny” of criminal elements threatening national stability.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed appreciation to the President for ongoing federal interventions across states.
“On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, we bring your excellency season’s greetings from the people of our various states. We thank the Almighty God for His mercies that saw us through the month of Ramadan.
“We pray that the Almighty God will see us through the period of Lent and grant us sustainable peace,” AbdulRazaq said.
He disclosed that governors are intensifying efforts to address insecurity, with ongoing consultations on establishing state police—an issue that has gained momentum in recent years as part of broader security-sector reforms.
“Together, we must see that the issue of insecurity comes to an end. Regarding state police, discussions are ongoing with various security agencies led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contributions. The NGF will take the document to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for the state police,’’ the Governor noted.
Those present at the meeting included Governors Hope Uzodinma, Alex Otti, Umo Eno, Douye Diri, Hyacinth Alia, Bassey Otu, Sheriff Oborevwori, Francis Nwifuru, Monday Okpebholo, Peter Mbah, Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya and Umar Namadi, among others.
Also in attendance were Governors Abba Kabir Yusuf, Dikko Radda, Usman Ododo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abdullahi Sule, Caleb Mutfwang, Siminalayi Fubara, Agbu Kefas, Mai Mala Buni, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, also attended the high-level meeting.
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