President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that Nigeria is set to receive military equipment and training support from Emmanuel Macron following a high-level phone conversation between the two leaders.
The President made this known on Sunday during a meeting with state governors at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he is observing the Eid al-Fitr break after returning from his recent state visit to the United Kingdom. Details of his remarks were contained in excerpts of his address made available to journalists.
Speaking on efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, Tinubu said, “I can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support.” He added, “I’m 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.”
The President described insecurity as the most pressing challenge facing his administration, stressing the need for unity in tackling it. “The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face; it is the challenge of insecurity in this country,” he said. “I’m making all the efforts to ensure it is us collectively that we share the joy and be proud of victory over tyranny.”
Tinubu noted that discussions around military equipment acquisition also featured prominently during his recent UK visit. “One of the major discussions in the UK is equipment. I can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” he stated.
The meeting with governors comes in the wake of the deadly Maiduguri bomb attacks, which claimed 23 lives and left over 100 injured. In response, the President had earlier directed security chiefs to relocate to the troubled city and approved additional operational support to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.
During the session, Tinubu also acknowledged the economic ripple effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis, warning that it could worsen inflation and strain household incomes. “I know this Middle East crisis will elicit inflation and will affect our purchasing power,” he said. “The labour union and others will be gathering to support them because of the effect of the Middle East war and prices at the pumps, resulting in transportation problems and food prices.”
Commending the governors for their turnout despite short notice, Tinubu remarked, “I am very surprised at the short notice that this number is extremely impressive. It shows our sincerity, commitment, and the value of friendship and togetherness. I thank every one of you for what we have been doing.”
He also urged state leaders to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable citizens, noting that while progress had been made, more could be achieved. The President extended condolences to Babagana Zulum over the recent attacks, encouraging him to convey government sympathy to affected communities.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve, Tinubu declared, “We must defeat terrorism and all of these criminal acts. As our investment in technology and equipment, we must defeat them.”
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security threats, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and widespread kidnapping, with the government increasingly seeking international partnerships to bolster its response.
