President Bola Tinubu on Sunday pledged renewed international collaboration including from France and the United Kingdom (UK) to combat Nigeria’s insecurity, describing it as the nation’s most pressing hurdle to prosperity.
Speaking at a meeting with Governors of the 36 States in Lagos, President Tinubu urged collective action, declaring: “The next phase of our struggle is stairing us in the face.
“It is the challenge of insecurity in this country. I am making all the efforts to ensure that it is us, collectively that will share the joy and be proud of victory over tyranny.”
Insecurity, he said, remains “an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity. That is what insecurity is all about. And Inam glad that you are all mindful of th challenge. To me, I can commit myself to further strengthen my contact, the network, that is necessary.”
The President disclosed his recent diplomatic overtures, noting that discussions in the United Kingdom centered on “equipment and support.”
He added: “I can report to you that yesterday, again, I had a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron. There are collaborations with us, for equipment and support while I am making frantic efforts to contact other nations.”
President Tinubu emphasized readiness to tap Nigeria’s diplomatic goodwill and credit lines, saying: “If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training. We should just resolve, while you say, it is not time for policy discussions, we have a pyramid that we must work on in the states.”
While praising State Governors without naming specifics—“You are all doing well but you can do better”—he called for greater focus on vulnerable populations.
He warned of looming pressures from the Middle East crisis, which he said would “elicit inflation, will affect our purchasing power,” spurring labour unions to demand support amid port disruptions, transportation woes, and soaring prices.
“Even though, the chairman has said that there is no need for policy discussion,” President Tinubu said, signaling restraint but emphasizing the urgency.
NewsQuest reports that Nigeria has grappled with banditry, kidnappings, and insurgencies in the northwest and northeast for years, hampering investment and growth.
The President’s Tremarks come as his administration seeks Western aid to modernize security forces, amid criticism over economic reforms that have fueled inflation.
