KEY POINTS

• President Tinubu pledged intensified efforts against insecurity, engaging international partners for equipment and support.
• Governors were urged to prioritize vulnerable citizens, mitigate inflationary impacts, and implement policies that improve livelihoods.
• NGF chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq highlighted ongoing discussions on state policing and collective action to end insecurity across Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity across Nigeria, stressing that criminal activity undermines development, progress, and prosperity. The commitment came during a gathering at his Lagos residence on Sunday, where he hosted Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors in celebration of Eid el-Fitr.

“Your presence here today demonstrates your sincerity, commitment, and value for friendship and togetherness,” Tinubu said, according to a statement issued by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga. “The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country.”

Tinubu highlighted that his administration is collaborating with international partners to enhance the country’s security infrastructure. He revealed that discussions in the United Kingdom focused on securing equipment and support, and he recently held a detailed conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding assistance from France. Efforts are also ongoing to engage additional nations in support of Nigeria’s security initiatives.

Governors urged to protect the vulnerable amid rising inflation

The president also called on governors to prioritize support for vulnerable citizens, especially given the economic effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis, which has contributed to rising inflation and increased fuel prices, with petrol selling for at least N1,300 per litre in many parts of the country.

“We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power. Labour unions and others will be asking for additional support,” Tinubu said. He encouraged governors to translate their policies and visions into programs that directly improve citizens’ livelihoods and provide incentives to mitigate inflationary pressures on energy and transportation.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara State and chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s intervention and stressed that governors remain committed to ending insecurity nationwide. He noted that discussions are ongoing about establishing a legislative framework for state policing in collaboration with security agencies and the National Security Adviser, emphasizing that NGF contributions will be submitted to the National Assembly.

The meeting was attended by several governors, including Hope Uzodinma (Imo State), Alex Otti (Abia State), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State), Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), Hyacinth Alia (Benue State), Bassey Otu (Cross River State), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi State), Monday Okpebholo (Edo State), Peter Mbah (Enugu State), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe State), Umar Namadi (Jigawa State), Abba Yusuf (Kano State), Dikko Radda (Katsina State), Usman Ododo (Kogi State), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State), Caleb Mufwang (Plateau State), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State), Agbu Keffas (Taraba State), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe State), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State). The deputy governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, was also present.