President Tinubu Pledges Stronger Action Against Insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to intensify his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity across the country, stressing that the safety and welfare of Nigerians remain a central priority.

He also cautioned that the worsening crisis in the Middle East could trigger fresh inflationary pressures and further weaken the purchasing power of citizens.

Speaking during an Eid-el-Fitr gathering at his Lagos residence, where he hosted Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 state governors, Tinubu called for collective action against criminal activities while highlighting ongoing international partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security capacity.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President disclosed that his recent engagements in the United Kingdom centred on securing advanced security support and equipment.

He said, “One of the major discussions in the United Kingdom was on equipment and support. I can report to you that yesterday, again, I had a lengthy discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. They are collaborating with us for equipment and support. I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations.”

Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Friday after a three-day State Visit to the United Kingdom, where they were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla and also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Reflecting on global economic trends, the President warned that inflationary shocks linked to the Middle East conflict could further strain household incomes.

He said, “We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power. The labour union and others will be gearing to ask us to support more due to the effect of the Middle East war and crisis.”

He urged state governors to turn policy ideas into practical outcomes that directly improve citizens’ livelihoods, while also backing federal efforts to confront what he described as the “tyranny” of criminal elements.

Tinubu further advised state leaders to introduce measures that would help cushion the impact of rising costs in energy and transportation.

He also commended Vice President Shettima for his visit to Borno State to condole with victims and assured Nigerians that the government is strengthening security through the deployment of modern technology.

Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, congratulated Tinubu on what he described as a successful and “bold and significant” State Visit to the United Kingdom, noting its importance to Nigeria’s international relations.

He further disclosed that consultations on the establishment of state police were ongoing, adding that the NGF would soon present its proposals to the National Assembly.