President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday said his administration will intensify efforts to tackle insecurity across the country, assuring that the safety and well‑being of Nigerians featured prominently during meetings he held in the United Kingdom.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) and made available on Presidential Villa website.
Speaking at a private Eid‑el‑Fitr gathering at his Lagos residence, which he hosted with Vice‑President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors, the President said the “next phase” of the nation’s struggle is confronting insecurity, which he described as “an enemy of development, progress and prosperity.”
“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,” Mr. Tinubu said.
The President said he has been securing international support for modern security interventions. He disclosed that he held a “lengthy discussion” with French President Emmanuel Macron about equipment and other assistance, and said he was making “frantic efforts” to engage other nations on similar support.
Mr. Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu returned to Nigeria 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 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the trip.
Warning that the Middle East crisis could push up inflation and reduce purchasing power, Mr. Tinubu urged governors to care for vulnerable citizens and to provide targeted incentives to cushion the effects of rising energy and transportation costs.
He also thanked Vice‑President Shettima for a condolence visit to Borno State and assured residents of strengthened protection through new technology.
The President called on state governors to remain steadfast in translating their ideas into policies and programmes that improve livelihoods and to support federal efforts against criminality.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and congratulated him on the successful State Visit to the UK and the investment agreements secured.
Mr. AbdulRazaq said governors welcome stronger bilateral ties with the UK and urged collective action to end insecurity. He noted that discussions on state policing are ongoing with security agencies led by the National Security Adviser and that the NGF will submit a document to the National Assembly to explore a legislative framework for state police.
Governors at the Eid gathering included Sen. Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Alex Otti (Abia), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe) and Umar Namadi (Jigawa).
Also present were Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Dikko Umaru Radda (Katsina), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babajide Sanwo‑Olu (Lagos), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mufwang (Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, also attended.