Lagos: President Bola Tinubu called on governors to unite more closely in tackling insecurity, pledging to secure increased foreign assistance for Nigeria’s security efforts.
The president spoke as Vice President Kashim Shettima led governors on the traditional Eid-el-Fitr homage to the president’s residence in Lagos.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to God for the unity demonstrated during Ramadan, noting that Muslims commenced and concluded the fasting period together in a spirit of shared faith and national cohesion.
“We thank God that we all started together and ended it together. May Almighty Allah continue to guide us and put our nation on the right path.”
He commended the governors for their continued support, stressing that the next phase of governance should focus squarely on addressing insecurity and restoring peace across the country.
“We face the challenge of insecurity and are working together to achieve victory over forces threatening our stability, prioritising collaboration at all levels.”
Tinubu described insecurity as a major obstacle to development, progress, and prosperity, urging all levels of government to remain resolute in confronting the challenge.
“Insecurity threatens our progress, but I am glad we collectively recognise this challenge and are resolved to confront it.”
He pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s international partnerships to secure modern equipment, intelligence, and training to combat security threats effectively.
“Discussions in the United Kingdom and with President Macron focused on securing equipment and support, and we are moving to deepen these partnerships.”
Tinubu disclosed that he also held extensive discussions on Saturday with French President Emmanuel Macron on security cooperation and potential support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
“President Macron expressed readiness to collaborate with Nigeria on securing equipment and support.”
The president said Nigeria would leverage its goodwill and existing diplomatic relationships to access resources, including credit facilities, to strengthen its security capabilities.
“We must reach out to partners willing to support us with equipment and training so that we can effectively confront and defeat terrorism.”
He also urged state governments to intensify efforts in caring for vulnerable populations, noting that while progress had been made, more could be done to improve social welfare systems.
“I will not single out any state, but you are doing well and can do better in caring for the vulnerable in our society.”
Tinubu warned that global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, could drive up the costs of imported goods and fuel, leading to higher inflation and reduced purchasing power for Nigerians.
“The Middle East crisis may result in increased prices for essential imports and fuel, which can, in turn, raise overall inflation, increase transportation costs, and make everyday goods more expensive for Nigerians. This puts additional financial pressure on households and can slow economic growth,” he said.
He assured that the Federal Government would continue engaging labour unions and other stakeholders to mitigate the economic impact on citizens and maintain social stability.
The president also commended the vice president for his swift response to recent security incidents in Borno, describing the vice president’s actions as timely and commendable.
“My condolences to Kashim Shettima. I appreciate your immediate return to Borno to convey sympathy and solidarity with the affected communities.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in technology, intelligence, and security infrastructure to decisively address insurgency and related threats nationwide.
“We are determined to defeat terrorism and all its manifestations. We must come together to secure our nation and guarantee a peaceful future,” he said.
NAN reports that the governors were led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
