Southern Governors Advocate State Policing, Make Six Other Resolutions

Southern Governors ,State Policing, Six Other Resolutions,

The Southern Governors’ Forum—comprising the Governors of the South-West, South-East, and South-South geopolitical zones—alongside the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, convened on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, to deliberate on matters of urgent regional and national importance. The meeting focused on security, governance, development cooperation, and institutional partnerships.

The joint forum reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the unity of Nigeria, the deepening of regional collaboration, and the strengthening of a more inclusive, secure, and equitable federation.

The Forum extended heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on the tragic loss of military personnel in Borno State, as well as on the recent mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States. It also acknowledged the successful rescue efforts that have reassured citizens that national security remains a top presidential priority.

The joint meeting expressed deep appreciation for Mr. President’s bold and visionary leadership in restoring macroeconomic stability. It noted progress in the stabilization of the foreign exchange market, sustained reduction in inflation for the seventh consecutive month, and the gradual easing of food prices. Furthermore, the Forum praised the administration’s transformative infrastructure agenda, citing landmark projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, among others. It also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to rebuilding the integrity and capacity of Nigeria’s security forces, particularly through the rehabilitation of Police and NSCDC training colleges.

The Forum welcomed the launch of the Renewed Hope Ward Initiative—a transformative grassroots programme expected to directly benefit over five million people across Southern Nigeria.

The joint session with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) reinforced the strategic role of traditional institutions in governance, security, and cultural integration. Both the SGF and the SNTRC pledged their collective support for the Federal Government’s security architecture.

The Forum encouraged member states to formally incorporate traditional rulers into their state security councils, noting that these institutions remain closest to the grassroots and possess critical intelligence capabilities.

It emphasized that no effort would be spared in safeguarding lives and property. The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with traditional institutions and law enforcement agencies in intelligence gathering, early warning, enforcement, and deterrence of criminal activity.

Security chiefs from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were in attendance. They provided comprehensive briefings on the security situation across the region, highlighting equipment deficits, manpower gaps, intelligence coordination challenges, and the need for strengthened federal–state synergy.

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

1. Creation of a Zonal Security Fund:
   Each geopolitical zone will establish a dedicated fund to support zonal security operations and capacity building. A monthly Zonal Security Coordination Meeting of Security Advisers will be institutionalized.
2. Enhanced Intelligence Communication Infrastructure:
   The Forum adopted an intelligence-sharing framework supported by modern communication systems and surveillance technologies for real-time monitoring and coordinated response. To this end, member states within each zone (SW, SE, SS) will jointly invest in equipment that ensures seamless inter-state communication.
3. Advocacy for State Policing:
   The Forum reiterated its longstanding call for the establishment of State Police as a constitutional imperative, stressing that the success of community-based and regional security outfits underscores the urgent need for decentralized policing.
4. Resident Identification Programme:
   Member states were encouraged to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to implement a unified state resident identification system.
5. Support for Regional Security Structures:
   The Forum resolved to strengthen regional and local security outfits—including hunter associations and community-based surveillance units—through improved equipment, logistics, and operational support.
6. Governance of Land and Mining Activities:
   States were urged to work with traditional rulers to regulate land allocation and curb indiscriminate practices that may pose security threats. The Forum also resolved to combat illegal mining activities, which have caused significant ecological damage, by partnering with environmental agencies and traditional councils.
7. Institutional Strengthening of Traditional Councils:
   Member states were encouraged to provide direct financial and operational support to their traditional councils to enable them to play a more effective role in governance, security, and peacebuilding.

In a strong demonstration of unity, the Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council jointly passed a Vote of Confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in recognition of his leadership and unwavering commitment to national stability and reform.

The Forum recalled the Asaba Accord of May 2021, during which Southern Governors unanimously advocated for a President of Southern extraction. It restated its continued support for a Southern President, represented in the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Finally, the Forum addressed attempts to sow discord, disinformation, and fear within the region. It reassured citizens that Southern Nigeria remains united, indivisible, and committed to peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural lines. The Forum 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.

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