France To Support Nigeria With Military Equipment – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that France has expressed  readiness to assist Nigeria with miitary equipment in its fight against  insurgents and bandits.

The president spoke in Lagos  yesterday while addressing a delegation of governors who paid him a Sallah homage at his residence.

He said,”Ï can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron , their collaboration with us for equipment and support.

Ï am making frantic efforts to contact other nations. If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit , we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training.”

He said he was impressed by the governors’ turnout despite the short notice, noting that their presence reflected sincerity, commitment, and the value of unity among leaders.

“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 added.

Tinubu, however, emphasised that beyond camaraderie, the country must now focus squarely on tackling insecurity, which he described as a major obstacle to national development.

“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face. It’s the challenge of insecurity in this country, and I’m making all the efforts to ensure it is we, collectively, that will share the joy and be proud of victory over tyranny,” the President said.

He warned that insecurity remained a direct threat to progress and prosperity, stressing the need for coordinated efforts among federal and state authorities.

“Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity. That’s what insecurity is all about. And I’m glad you are all mindful of the challenge,” Tinubu said.

He revealed that discussions held during his recent engagements in the United Kingdom focused significantly on security cooperation.

“One of the major discussions in the UK is equipment and support.

The President also urged governors to deepen their interventions at the state level, particularly in supporting vulnerable citizens, noting that governance must address both security and welfare concerns.

He cautioned that global developments, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, could trigger inflationary pressures and worsen the cost of living in Nigeria.

“I know this Middle East crisis will elicit inflation, will affect our purchasing power. Labour unions and others will be gearing to ask us to support them because of the effect… resulting in transportation problems and high prices,” he said.

Tinubu further extended condolences to Vice President Kashim Shettima over recent incidents in Borno State, commending his swift return to the state to sympathise with affected communities.

“My condolences to Kashim Shettima. I like what you did: you returned immediately to Borno and, together, conveyed a message of sympathy and condolence to our people there. We are with you,” the President said.

Reaffirming his administration’s resolve, Tinubu stressed that investments in technology and equipment would be intensified to decisively defeat terrorism and criminality.

“We must defeat terrorism and all of these characters who want to turn Nigeria…,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, thanked the President for his intervention in the states with the visionary Renewed Hope Agenda.

“On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, we bring your excellency, season greetings from the people of our various states. We thank the Almighty God for His mercies that saw us through the month of Ramadan.

“We pray that the Almighty God will see us through the period of Lent, and grant us sustainable peace,’’ he said.

The Chairman of NGF congratulated the President on the successful State Visit to the United Kingdom and the investment agreements reached.

“While our mission has been to have a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the State Visit, first in 37 years, is bold and significant. It speaks to new levels of relationship with Nigeria, and we thank you for it.

“Together, we must see that the issue of insecurity comes to an end. Regarding state police, discussions are ongoing with various security agencies led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contributions. The NGF will take the document to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for the state police,’’ the governor noted.

Governors at the meeting were: Sen. 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; and Umar Namadi, Jigawa State.

Others: Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State; Dikko Umaru Radda, Katsina State; Ahmed 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 of Yobe State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State.

The deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, was also at the meeting.