President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is intensifying international partnerships for military support while governors move closer to securing a legal framework for state police.
At a high-level meeting in Lagos yesterday, the President and 25 governors signalled a coordinated strategy that combines foreign-backed security reinforcement with localised policing reforms to confront terrorism, banditry and other threats across the country.
Speaking while receiving members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at his residence, Tinubu said his administration is deepening diplomatic engagements with global leaders to secure modern equipment, intelligence and training for Nigeria’s security agencies.
He said weekend’s phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron and planned talks with some other world leaders would yield a desired result.
The President told the governors: “One of the major discussions in the UK is equipment and support.
“I can report to you that yesterday (Saturday) again, I had a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron (French President) on their collaboration with us for equipment and support”.
He added that Nigeria was prepared to leverage its international goodwill and existing credit lines to acquire the needed resources.
“If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training,” the President stated.
Describing insecurity as a major obstacle to national development, Tinubu stressed that tackling it remains a top priority for his administration.
“Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity. The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and it is the challenge of insecurity in this country,” he said.
The President also called for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments, urging governors to complement national efforts with grassroots interventions, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
“We have a pyramid that we must work on in the states. You are all doing well, but you can do better, caring for the vulnerable,” he said.
Tinubu commended the governors for their unity and swift response to the meeting despite short notice.
He said: “I’m very surprised at the short notice that this number is extremely impressive.
“It shows our sincerity, commitment and the value of friendship and togetherness.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to defeat terrorism through sustained investment in technology and security infrastructure.
“As our investment in technology and equipment continues, we must defeat terrorism and all of these characters,” the President declared.
The meeting also touched on global economic pressures, with Tinubu warning that the ongoing Middle East crisis could trigger inflationary trends and worsen the cost of living.
“I know this Middle East crisis will elicit inflation, will affect our purchasing power… resulting in transportation problems and high prices,” he said.
He called for preparedness for possible economic shocks.
Tinubu further extended condolences to Vice President Kashim Shettima over recent developments in Borno State, commending his prompt return to sympathise with affected communities.
“I like what you did; returning immediately to Borno and collectively giving a message of sympathy and condolence to our people there. We are with you,” the President said.
State police framework underway
The NGF said it would soon submit a comprehensive legislative framework for the establishment of state police to the National Assembly.
NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said this while addressing reporters after the meeting.
According to him, governors were working closely with security agencies under the coordination of the National Security Adviser to finalise the proposal.
“On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing amongst various security organisations, led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contribution.
“That document will be taken to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for State Police,” AbdulRazaq said.
He noted that the move reflects a renewed commitment by sub-national governments to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through closer collaboration with federal authorities.
“As governors, we commit to renew our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism, steady and expand infrastructure opportunities and improve outcomes of the lives of our people,” he added.
AbdulRazaq emphasised that governors across the country remain united in their resolve to address insecurity and improve citizens’ welfare.
“Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end,” he said.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the governors to congratulate Tinubu on his recent state visit to the United Kingdom, which AbdulRazaq described as “bold and significant,” marking a new phase in bilateral relations.
“We are confident that the bilateral agreements presently signed, and the new rapprochement on issues of shared interest… will bring more prosperity to our people,” he said.
He also commended the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it had strengthened citizens’ sense of inclusion and holds promise for improved security outcomes.
The large turnout of governors, despite short notice, was described as a demonstration of solidarity and confidence in the President’s leadership.
“This is not a time to discuss policy issues; we will meet with you later on that. Today is to celebrate with you and thank God for where we are today and what we have achieved with your leadership,” AbdulRazaq said.
Governors at the meeting are: 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), and Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe).
Others were Umar Namadi (Jigawa), 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 Keffas (Taraba), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).
Also present was the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur.
