BENJAMIN OMOIKE
OYO, Nigeria – The South West Governors’ Forum on Monday announced a series of far-reaching security and development measures aimed at strengthening regional safety, improving coordination among member states, and addressing emerging threats across the zone.
The decisions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State, and attended by the Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States.
The Governors commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing national security interventions and economic reforms, particularly the swift response to recent kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls and Catholic students.
Following an extensive review of the security situation in the region, the Forum announced the establishment of a South West Security Fund (SWSF) to be domiciled in the DAWN Commission. The Fund will be jointly administered by the Special Advisers on Security from the six states and will meet monthly to review operations.
To improve rapid response and inter-state coordination, the Governors also approved a live digital intelligence-sharing platform for real-time exchange of threat alerts, incident reports, and cross-border security information.
The Forum urged the Federal Government to intensify forest surveillance across the region, noting that vast forest belts have become hideouts for criminals. It called for the deployment of federally supported Forest Guards, while each state would provide the necessary personnel.
The Governors also reaffirmed their commitment to reclaiming forest corridors and ensuring they no longer serve as operational routes for kidnappers, bandits, or other armed groups.
The Forum raised concerns over unregulated interstate migration into South West states, warning that it has become a security risk. It called for stricter border monitoring, improved data collection, and enhanced collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identification of migrants.
On illegal mining, the Governors expressed deep worry over its spread and the associated environmental, health, and security dangers. They urged the Federal Government to enforce a stronger licensing framework, with strict sanctions for violators engaging in criminal activity under the guise of mining.
Reiterates Demand for State Police
The Forum reaffirmed its unwavering support for the creation of State Police, stating that the reform “can no longer be delayed” given Nigeria’s current security realities.
The Governors applauded farmers across the South West for increased agricultural output, which they said had contributed to greater food stability and lower market prices. They also acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts in boosting food sufficiency nationwide.
They commended President Tinubu for establishing the South West Development Commission (SWDC) and urged the new body to fully deliver on its mandate.
The DAWN Commission was also praised for driving regional integration and supporting ongoing security initiatives.
The Forum concluded by urging residents of the South West to remain united and uphold the region’s long-standing culture of peace and religious tolerance.
“We remain one indivisible entity, committed to preserving the peace, stability, and cultural harmony that define our region,” the communiqué stated.
