President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has announced strategic measures to tackle insecurity, revealing plans to deploy forest guards equipped with modern technology and weapons. Additionally, he outlined initiatives to secure the nation’s solid minerals and marine economic sectors through the establishment of dedicated police units.
President Tinubu shared these insights during a meeting with members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) at the State House in Abuja on Friday. Emphasising the importance of inclusivity, ownership, and sustainability in development policies, he urged governors aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to address divisive challenges facing the nation.
The President called on the governors to foster unity and healing by establishing a collective national vision and directing their energy and resources towards nation-building. He underscored the need for policies that prioritise all Nigerians and encouraged the governors to consistently consider the national interest over political affiliations.
“You can convert people. You can appeal to people to come to your side,” he stated.
President Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria, blessed with abundant human, natural, and material resources, should not be grappling with infrastructural challenges, lack of quality education, and substandard health facilities. He expressed a commitment to re-engineering the country’s financial system for inclusivity, effectiveness, and efficiency.
“We have no reason to be poor. Looking back on where we are coming from, where we have been, why we are facing infrastructural decay, a lack of quality and comprehensive education, as well as a lack of health facilities. We are not a cursed country, but blessed,” he remarked.
Highlighting the significance of the marine economy, President Tinubu advocated for the establishment of a marine police force and a similar initiative for solid minerals to deter illegal activities. He pledged to invest in security, ensuring the protection of valuable resources like gold to bolster the foreign exchange reserve.
In response, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum thanked the President for involving governors in policy design and implementation. He expressed continued support, referring to the governors as “able ambassadors, willing ambassadors, and capable ambassadors.”