President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that Nigeria is set to receive military equipment and training support from France following a recent phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.
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-el-Fitr holidays after returning from a brief state visit to the United Kingdom.
According to Tinubu, the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture by leveraging international partnerships and existing lines of credit to acquire modern military equipment and training.
He noted that his discussion with Macron forms part of a broader diplomatic push to rally global support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and other security threats.
“In a lengthy discussion with President Macron, we secured collaboration on equipment and support. We are also reaching out to other nations willing to assist us with both training and military hardware,” he said.
Tinubu described insecurity as a critical challenge confronting his administration, stressing the need for collective commitment from all levels of government to overcome it.
He added that discussions during his recent UK visit also focused significantly on defence cooperation and the procurement of military equipment, underscoring the importance of international alliances in tackling terrorism.
The meeting with governors comes in the wake of the recent Maiduguri bomb attacks, which left several persons dead and many others injured.
In response, the President had earlier directed security chiefs to relocate to the affected area and intensify operations.
Vice President Kashim Shettima had also visited victims receiving treatment, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting those affected and strengthening counter-terrorism efforts.
Beyond security, Tinubu raised concerns over the potential economic impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis, warning that it could trigger inflation, increase fuel prices, and worsen the cost of living for Nigerians.
He urged state governors to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable citizens, noting that while progress has been made, more needs to be done to cushion economic hardships.
The President also extended condolences to Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno State over the recent attacks, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to invest in advanced technology and equipment to defeat terrorism.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and other criminal activities across the country.
Tinubu, however, expressed confidence that with sustained collaboration and strategic investment, the nation will overcome these threats.
