President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will receive support from France in the form of military equipment and training, following a recent phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Tinubu disclosed this on Sunday during a meeting with state governors at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he is observing the Eid-el-Fitr holidays after returning from a brief state visit to the United Kingdom. According to him, the discussion with Macron focused on strengthening cooperation to bolster Nigeria’s security capabilities.
He explained that the government is ready to utilise its goodwill and available credit facilities to procure critical military equipment and enhance training for security personnel. The President added that efforts are ongoing to secure similar support from other countries.
Tinubu described insecurity as a major challenge facing the nation, stressing the need for collective action to overcome it. He expressed optimism that with unity and sustained investment, Nigeria would prevail against terrorism and other criminal threats.
The President noted that talks during his UK visit also centred on acquiring defence equipment, highlighting ongoing international partnerships aimed at improving Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
The meeting with governors comes shortly after deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri that left several people dead and many others injured. In response, Tinubu had ordered security chiefs to relocate to the city and approved additional resources to strengthen operations.
Vice President Kashim Shettima had earlier visited victims receiving treatment, assuring Nigerians of the government’s commitment to intensifying efforts against insurgency.
Tinubu also revealed that his UK trip included meetings with key figures such as King Charles III and Keir Starmer, where both countries explored deeper cooperation on security and trade.
Addressing economic concerns, the President warned that tensions in the Middle East could drive inflation and reduce purchasing power, particularly affecting fuel prices, transportation, and food costs.
He commended the governors for attending the meeting at short notice and urged them to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable citizens in their states.
Reaffirming his administration’s stance, Tinubu emphasised that increased investment in technology and military equipment remains central to defeating terrorism and restoring stability across the country.
