Nigeria has gained France’s backing for military equipment and training to combat terrorism, President Bola Tinubu revealed on Sunday following a phone call with French President, Emmanuel Macron.
The President made the disclosure during a meeting with state governors at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he marked the Eid-el-Fitr holidays after returning from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
Tinubu said Nigeria is prepared to leverage its goodwill and existing lines of credit to acquire the necessary equipment and training for security forces.
“I can report… their collaboration with us for equipment and support. 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”, he stated.
Highlighting insecurity as the next major challenge, Tinubu stressed the need for collective action to defeat terrorism, calling it “an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity”.
The announcement comes days after coordinated suicide bombings in Maiduguri killed 23 people and injured 108 others. Following the attacks, Tinubu directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri and approved additional operational support. Vice President Kashim Shettima visited victims at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, assuring Nigerians that the federal government is investing in logistics and equipment to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.
During his UK visit, Tinubu met King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussing military cooperation, security, and trade agreements. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with France and the UK in tackling terrorism across West Africa.
Addressing economic concerns, Tinubu acknowledged the impact of the Middle East crisis on inflation, purchasing power, fuel, and food prices.
He also urged governors to focus on supporting vulnerable citizens and extended condolences to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State over the Maiduguri bombings.
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