Southern Governors, Traditional Rulers Meet in Ogun, Issue Major Resolutions on Security, Governance

Southern Governors, Traditional Rulers Meet in Ogun, Issue Major Resolutions on Security, Governance

By NigerDelta Voice Reporters, Online Correspondent, 27th November, 2025

Communiqué issued at the end of the Joint Meeting of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), held on Wednesday, 26th November 2025 at the Governor’s Residence, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.

The Southern Governors’ Forum—comprising governors from the South-West, South-East, and South-South—and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council convened on Wednesday to deliberate on critical issues affecting the region and the nation. Discussions focused on security, governance, development cooperation, and institutional partnerships.

The Forum reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the unity of Nigeria, deepening regional collaboration, and strengthening an inclusive, secure, and equitable federation.

Condolences & Commendations

The meeting extended condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces over the tragic loss of military personnel in Borno State, as well as the recent mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States. It also acknowledged the successful rescue operations, noting that they reflect the administration’s prioritization of national security.

The Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership in stabilising the macroeconomic environment—highlighting improvements in foreign exchange stability, seven consecutive months of declining inflation, and the easing of food prices.

Additionally, the meeting applauded the administration’s infrastructure drive, citing major projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway. It also praised ongoing efforts to rebuild the nation’s security capacity, including the rehabilitation of Police and NSCDC training institutions.

The Forum welcomed the launch of the Renewed Hope Ward Initiative, noting its potential to directly impact over five million residents across Southern Nigeria.

Role of Traditional Rulers

The joint session with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council underscored the crucial role of traditional institutions in governance, cultural integration, and grassroots security. Both bodies pledged full support for the Federal Government’s security architecture.

The Forum encouraged states to formally integrate traditional rulers into their respective State Security Councils, noting their proximity to local communities and their intelligence-gathering advantage.

Briefings by Security Chiefs

Heads of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) provided detailed briefings on regional security concerns, covering equipment deficits, manpower shortages, intelligence coordination, and federal–state cooperation mechanisms.

Resolutions

Following a comprehensive review of the security situation, the Forum resolved as follows:

1. Establishment of a Zonal Security Fund

Each geopolitical zone will create a dedicated fund for security operations and capacity building. Monthly Zonal Security Coordination Meetings of State Security Advisers will be institutionalized.

2. Strengthened Intelligence Communication Infrastructure

The Forum adopted a unified intelligence-sharing framework supported by modern communication systems and surveillance technologies for real-time monitoring across states. Member states in each zone will jointly invest in interoperable communication equipment.

3. Advocacy for State Policing

The Forum reiterated its long-standing demand for State Police, describing it as a constitutional necessity and a proven path to effective community-based security.

4. Unified Resident Identification Programme

States are encouraged to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to implement harmonized resident identification systems.

5. Support for Regional and Local Security Structures

The Forum pledged increased support for regional outfits, hunters’ groups, and community surveillance units through provision of equipment, logistics, and operational support.

6. Governance of Land & Mining Activities

States will work with traditional rulers to regulate land allocation and curb practices that pose security risks. The Forum also committed to combating illegal mining and its ecological impacts in collaboration with environmental authorities and traditional institutions.

7. Strengthening Traditional Councils

Member states were urged to provide direct financial and operational support to their traditional councils to enhance their role in governance, security, and peacebuilding.

Vote of Confidence in President Tinubu

In a display of unity, the Southern Governors and Traditional Rulers unanimously passed a Vote of Confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, praising his commitment to national stability, security reform, and economic renewal.

The Forum recalled the historic Asaba Accord of May 2021, where Southern Governors unanimously advocated for a President of Southern extraction. It reaffirmed its support for a Southern Presidency and for the current occupant, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Unity Against Disinformation

The Forum condemned attempts to sow division and spread disinformation within the region. It reaffirmed that Southern Nigeria remains united, stable, and committed to peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural lines.

It pledged to continue speaking with one voice and working collaboratively with the Federal Government to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for all Nigerians.