President Bola Tinubu has pledged to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity across Nigeria, saying improved security is essential to economic growth and shared prosperity.
The president spoke on Sunday while hosting Kashim Shettima, and 23 state governors at his Lagos residence to celebrate Eid el-Fitr.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu told the gathering that the country’s next notable test was confronting insecurity.
“Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity,” Tinubu said.
He added that he was strengthening international contacts to secure equipment and operational support for Nigeria’s security agencies.
The president disclosed that discussions held during recent engagements in the United Kingdom (UK) had focused on security assistance, and confirmed a fresh round of talks with French President Emmanuel Macron aimed at boosting cooperation with similar outreach under way with other countries.
Beyond security, the president urged governors to prioritise support for vulnerable citizens as inflationary pressures mount, partly driven by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
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He warned that higher global energy costs were already affecting purchasing power at home.
His comments come amid a sharp rise in fuel prices, with petrol selling for around N1,300 per litre in many parts of the country, adding to pressure on households and transport costs.
Tinubu called on state governments to introduce incentives and social support measures to cushion the impact, while urging them to remain focused on policies that directly improve livelihoods and counter what he described as the “tyranny” of criminal groups.
Speaking on behalf of the governors, the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, thanked the president for federal interventions across the states and pledged continued collaboration to end insecurity.
AbdulRazaq said discussions were advancing on the creation of state police, adding that consultations were being coordinated by the national security leadership.
He disclosed that proposals would be forwarded to the National Assembly to establish a legal framework for the initiative.
Governors from across the country attended the Lagos meeting, alongside the deputy governor of Borno State.