Southern governors and traditional rulers have reaffirmed their long-standing demand for state police and adopted new measures aimed at strengthening security and development across the region.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the joint meeting of the Southern Governors’ Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, held on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at the Governor’s Residence in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.
The meeting brought together governors from the South-West, South-East, and South-South regions, alongside members of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, to deliberate on pressing regional and national issues. Discussions focused on security, governance, development cooperation, and strengthening institutional partnerships. The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to the unity of Nigeria, deeper regional collaboration, and the advancement of an inclusive, secure, and equitable federation.
The Forum extended condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces over the loss of military personnel in Borno State and the recent mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States. It acknowledged the successful rescue efforts, noting that they have reassured citizens that national security remains a top presidential priority.
The Forum expressed appreciation to the President for what it described as bold and visionary leadership in restoring macroeconomic stability. It highlighted gains in foreign exchange stabilization, a sustained reduction in inflation for the seventh consecutive month, and the easing of food prices. It also commended ongoing infrastructure projects, citing initiatives such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway. It further acknowledged the administration’s commitment to rebuilding the capacity of security forces, particularly through the rehabilitation of Police and NSCDC training colleges.
The meeting welcomed the launch of the Renewed Hope Ward Initiative, a grassroots programme expected to directly benefit over five million people across Southern Nigeria. It noted that the joint session with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council was aimed at reinforcing the strategic role of traditional institutions in governance, security, and cultural integration. Both bodies pledged collective support for the Federal Government’s security architecture.
The Forum encouraged all member states to formally integrate traditional rulers into state security councils, emphasizing their proximity to grassroots communities and their critical intelligence capabilities. It noted that no effort would be spared in safeguarding lives and property and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with traditional institutions and security agencies on intelligence gathering, early warning, enforcement, and deterrence of criminal activity.
Security chiefs from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attended the meeting and provided detailed briefings on the security situation across the region. Their presentations focused on equipment deficits, manpower gaps, intelligence coordination, and the need for stronger federal-state operational synergy.
Following a comprehensive review of the security landscape, the Forum announced several resolutions. It approved the creation of a Zonal Security Fund, to which member states in each geopolitical zone will contribute, in order to support zonal operations and capacity building. It also agreed to institutionalize a monthly Zonal Security Coordination Meeting for Security Advisers. The Forum adopted an enhanced intelligence-sharing framework supported by modern communication equipment and surveillance technologies to enable real-time monitoring and coordinated responses across state lines. It resolved that each member state in the South-West, South-East, and South-South zones will jointly invest in equipment to ensure effective communication across borders.
The Forum reiterated its strong advocacy for state policing, describing it as a constitutional imperative. It stated that the success of community-based and regional security outfits further demonstrates the urgent need for a decentralized policing structure. Member states were encouraged to work with the National Identity Management Commission to implement a unified resident identification system. The Forum also agreed to strengthen regional and local security outfits, including hunter associations and community-based surveillance units, through equipment, logistics, and operational support.
On land administration and mining activities, states were urged to collaborate with traditional rulers to regulate land allocation and prevent practices capable of heightening security risks. The Forum resolved to intensify efforts against illegal mining, citing its ecological impact, and pledged to work with environmental authorities and traditional councils to tackle the problem. It further called for the institutional strengthening of traditional councils, encouraging states to provide direct financial and operational support to enhance their roles in governance, security, and peacebuilding.
In a show of unity, the Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council jointly passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, citing his leadership and commitment to national stability and reform. The Forum recalled the Asaba Accord of May 2021, which saw Southern Governors unanimously advocate for a President of Southern extraction, and restated its support for a Southern President in the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Forum also addressed attempts to sow discord and spread disinformation within the region. It reassured citizens that Southern Nigeria remains united, indivisible, and committed to peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural lines. It pledged to continue speaking with one voice, advancing the collective interests of the South, and working collaboratively with the Federal Government to promote peace, prosperity, and progress for all Nigerians.
