By Jane Okafor, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday in Lagos declared that his administration will not allow insecurity to derail efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians, as he pledged intensified action to tackle threats across the country.
Speaking at his Lagos residence while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the President assured that citizens’ safety and well-being remained a top priority, including during his recent engagements in the United Kingdom.
Tinubu revealed that security cooperation featured prominently in his discussions abroad, noting that he had followed up with Emmanuel Macron on support for modern security equipment and interventions.
“Your presence here today reflects your sincerity, commitment, and shared belief in unity. The next phase of our struggle is before us—the challenge of insecurity,” he said.
“I am making every effort to ensure we collectively enjoy the fruits of our victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity. I am strengthening the contacts and networks necessary to address it.”
He added that discussions in the UK centred on security equipment and support, disclosing that further talks with France and other nations were ongoing to bolster Nigeria’s security capacity.
President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had returned on Friday from a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where they were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The President also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the visit.
Addressing economic concerns, Tinubu warned that the ongoing Middle East crisis could trigger inflation and weaken purchasing power, urging governors to implement measures that would cushion the impact, particularly on energy and transportation costs.
“We must care more for the vulnerable. The Middle East crisis may spike inflation, and labour unions will likely demand more support due to its effects,” he said.
He also urged governors to remain focused on translating their policies into tangible benefits for citizens while supporting efforts to combat criminality nationwide.
The President commended Vice President Shettima for his condolence visit to Borno State, assuring residents of improved protection through the deployment of advanced technology.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed appreciation for the administration’s interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda and congratulated the President on the successful UK state visit.
AbdulRazaq noted that discussions on state policing were ongoing, adding that the forum would present its proposals to the National Assembly to establish a legislative framework.
“Together, we must ensure that insecurity is brought to an end,” he said, while also extending seasonal greetings to the President on behalf of the governors.
