President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will receive military support from France, including equipment and training, following a weekend phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking in Lagos on Sunday during a meeting with state governors at his Ikoyi residence, Tinubu said the collaboration was part of wider efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and other security threats.
The President had just returned from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom (UK), where defence cooperation was also high on the agenda.
Tinubu told governors that Nigeria was prepared to draw on its goodwill and credit lines to secure the resources needed for its armed forces.
“I can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support.
“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.
The President described insecurity as the next disturbing challenge confronting his administration, stressing that collective effort was essential to achieving victory.
His remarks come less than a week after suicide bombings in Maiduguri left 23 people dead and more than 100 injured.
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In response, Tinubu ordered security chiefs to relocate to Borno State and approved additional operational support.
Vice President Kashim Shettima visited survivors in hospital last week, assuring them that the government was investing heavily in equipment and logistics to bolster counter-terrorism operations.
Tinubu’s disclosure follows talks in London with King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where Nigeria and the UK agreed new export deals and discussed deepening security cooperation.
At Sunday’s meeting, the President also addressed economic issues, warning that the ongoing Middle East crisis could drive inflation and weaken purchasing power in Nigeria.
He urged governors to prioritise care for vulnerable citizens, while thanking them for their attendance at short notice.
Tinubu extended condolences to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum over the Maiduguri attacks and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in technology and equipment to defeat terrorism.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, from Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies in the North-East to banditry in the North-West and separatist unrest in the South-East.
France, which has long been involved in counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel, is expected to play an important role in supporting Nigeria’s efforts.