James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Southern Governors’ Forum has resolved to establish a zonal security fund, with member states contributing to a dedicated pool to support regional security operations and enhance capacity building across the geopolitical zones.

The Forum also agreed to institutionalize a monthly Zonal Security Coordination Meeting involving Security Advisers within the region.

These resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a joint meeting between the Southern Governors’ Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers’ Council, held in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, and read by the Forum Chairman, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

To strengthen intelligence communication infrastructure, the governors approved an intelligence-sharing framework backed by modern communication technologies, real-time surveillance systems, and interoperable equipment that will enable coordinated responses across state lines.

Reaffirming their longstanding position on the need to decentralize policing, the governors reiterated their call for the creation of state police as a constitutional imperative, noting the successes already recorded by community-based and regional security initiatives.

The communiqué further encouraged states to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to implement a unified resident identification system in the region.

The Forum also resolved to enhance the operations of regional and local security outfits, including hunters’ associations and community surveillance units, through improved equipment, logistics, and operational support.

In strengthening security governance, the Forum urged states to work closely with traditional rulers in regulating land allocation to curb indiscriminate practices that could heighten security threats. It also resolved to tackle illegal mining activities—described as a major source of ecological and security challenges—by partnering with environmental agencies and traditional institutions.

To deepen grassroots participation, the governors encouraged states to provide direct financial and operational support to traditional councils to enable them to play a more effective role in security and peacebuilding.

In a show of unity with traditional rulers, the Forum passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending his leadership and commitment to national stability and reforms.

Despite attempts to create tension and distrust within the region, the Southern Governors’ Forum pledged to continue speaking with one voice, promoting the collective interests of the South, and collaborating with the Federal Government to ensure peace, prosperity, and progress for all Nigerians.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Forum’s commitment to national unity, stronger regional cooperation, and the deepening of an inclusive, secure, and equitable federation. The governors also commended the President for recent successful rescue operations of kidnapped victims in parts of the country.

Governor Abiodun had, in his opening remark emphasized the urgent need to strengthen joint security structures, enhance intelligence sharing, and adopt a unified regional strategy to tackle emerging security challenges across the South.

He noted that recent incidents in parts of the country underscore the necessity for proactive and comprehensive measures to safeguard lives and property in the region.

According to him, the South’s huge population, industrial hubs, seaports, airports, and other strategic national assets demand urgent action, far beyond rhetoric.

“The speed at which insecurity spreads shows that geography is no longer a guarantee of safety. With dense populations, major industrial corridors, and critical infrastructure, the southern region faces unique exposure to security risks,” he said.

“We must therefore shift from assumed safety to structured, preventive, and deliberate security planning.”

He reiterated the Forum’s collective support for the establishment of state police, pointing out that each of the member states had already submitted their positions on the matter.

The governor proposed a regional security architecture anchored on intelligence-sharing, border protection, safe school initiatives, surveillance of transport corridors, and strong community involvement. He also advocated the creation of a real-time digital intelligence system to link all southern states for rapid response.

Abiodun further suggested a joint security audit of major road, rail, and maritime corridors to detect vulnerabilities and strengthen emergency response operations. He also called for deeper collaboration between communities, private security groups, and formal agencies to ensure coordinated vigilance.

The Forum Chairman listed measures needed to ensure strong regional security, including documentation of foreign nationals, dismantling illegal settlements, regulating scavenger activities, intensified forest operations, and strict action against illegal mining.

He stressed that community policing remains non-negotiable, noting that local vigilance enhances intelligence gathering, engenders trust, and ensures early detection of threats.

Turning to the economy, Governor Abiodun canvassed for stronger regional cooperation in agriculture, technology, innovation, and youth empowerment.

“A Joint Centre for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship will equip young people with digital skills, agritech expertise, creative industry capacity, and advanced manufacturing capabilities,” he noted.

He said the region was positioned for agricultural prosperity with fertile lands and rich coastlines but needed mechanization, modern fishing systems, and improved processing to boost exports and reduce post-harvest losses.

Abiodun described Southern Nigeria as a region blessed with limitless natural and human resources, capable of accelerating industrial growth, unlocking new revenue streams, and creating jobs when properly harnessed through collaboration and private-sector investment.

“Artificial boundaries—geographical, political, religious or ethnic—must never divide us. We must build on shared history, cultural ties, and an interconnected economy to advance regional integration,” he added.

The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing significant economic reforms and prioritizing infrastructural development nationwide. He also applauded the coordinated security efforts that led to the rescue of abducted students in recent incidents.

Governors present at the meeting included Prof. Charles Soludo (Anambra), Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dr. Alex Otti (Abia), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).

The Deputy Governors of Edo, Osun, Cross River and Oyo States represented their governors.

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