President Bola Tinubu has cautioned that the ongoing Middle East crisis, driven by rising tensions between the US, Israel and Iran, could increase inflation and weaken Nigerians’ purchasing power.
The president, alongside Oluremi Tinubu, returned to Nigeria on Friday after a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where they were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Tinubu also met with Keir Starmer, during which several bilateral agreements were reached.
Speaking on Sunday at his Lagos residence during an Eid al-Fitr gathering with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and 23 governors, Tinubu urged state leaders to introduce additional incentives to cushion the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, particularly on energy and transportation costs.
“We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power,” the president said.
“The labour union and others will be gearing to ask us to support more due to the effect of the Middle East war and crisis.”
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also encouraged governors to remain committed to implementing policies that directly improve citizens’ livelihoods, while supporting efforts to tackle what he described as the “tyranny” of criminal elements.
He stressed that his administration is intensifying efforts to address insecurity nationwide, noting that the issue featured prominently during his engagements in the UK.
“Your presence here today and the number show your sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness,” the statement reads.
“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country.
“I am making all the efforts to ensure that we collectively share the joy of our victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity. I am glad you are all mindful of the challenge.
“For me, I have committed to strengthening further the contacts and networks that are necessary. One of the major discussions in the United Kingdom was on equipment and support.
“I can report to you that yesterday, again, I had a lengthy discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. They are collaborating with us for equipment and support. I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations.”
The president added that he had followed up on support for modern security interventions with Macron and thanked Shettima for visiting Borno State after recent bombings in Maiduguri, assuring residents of enhanced protection through new technology.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), expressed appreciation to the president for his support to states under the renewed hope agenda.
“On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, we bring your excellency season’s greetings from the people of our various states,” AbdulRazaq said.
“We thank the Almighty God for His mercies that saw us through the month of Ramadan.
“We pray that the Almighty God will see us through the period of Lent and grant us sustainable peace.”
He also congratulated Tinubu on the outcome of the UK visit, describing it as significant.
“While our mission has been to have a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the state visit, the first in 37 years, is bold and significant,” he added.
“It speaks to new levels of relationships with Nigeria, and we thank you for it. Together, we must see that the issue of insecurity comes to an end.
“Regarding state police, discussions are ongoing with various security agencies led by the national security adviser, and the NGF has made its contributions.
“The NGF will take the document to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for the state police.”
Several governors attended the meeting, including Hope Uzodinma, Alex Otti, Umo Eno, Douye Diri, Hyacinth Alia, Bassey Otu, Sheriff Oborevwori, Francis Nwifuru, Monday Okpebholo, Peter Mbah, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, Umar Namadi, Abba Yusuf, Dikko Radda, Ahmed Ododo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abdullahi Sule, Caleb Muftwang, Siminalayi Fubara, Agbu Kefas, Mai Mala Buni, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, among others.
Umar Kadafur was also present at the meeting.