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.
