The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has pledged to enhance coordination and intelligence sharing with the Department of State Services (DSS) to address mounting security challenges, violent extremism, and communal tensions across the country.
During its fifth meeting held in Abuja from Thursday night to early Friday morning, the governors agreed that improved collaboration with federal security agencies is crucial to maintaining peace and national stability.
Okay News reports that the meeting came amid renewed security concerns following recent attacks in several states and intelligence warnings by the DSS about planned assaults by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) targeting Ondo and Kogi States.
The NGF, in a communiqué signed by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and read by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscored the importance of proactive intelligence sharing and coordinated responses among states.
Sanwo-Olu said, “The Forum received a presentation from the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, on emerging security threats and intelligence-led strategies to strengthen subnational coordination. The briefing focused on countering violent extremism, managing inter-communal tensions, and addressing risks linked to economic hardship and political transition.”
The governors commended the DSS for its proactive engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation with the agency to enhance safety across all regions.
Kogi State, which borders ten states and the Federal Capital Territory, was identified as a strategic area of concern due to its geographical positioning and vulnerability to extremist movements.
Beyond security, the Forum also deliberated on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB1349), urging members to rally support for its passage between November 4 and 6, 2025. The Bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create special constituencies exclusively contested by women at both federal and state legislative levels as a temporary measure to promote gender inclusion.
The NGF encouraged governors to engage their lawmakers in both the National Assembly and State Assemblies to back the proposal, describing it as vital for gender equity and inclusive governance.
In addition, the Forum reviewed a presentation from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), represented by the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, on ongoing monetary stabilisation policies aimed at curbing inflation and strengthening the economy.
According to the communiqué, “Governors commended the CBN’s coordinated approach with fiscal authorities and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration to safeguard growth and state fiscal sustainability.”
The NGF reiterated its commitment to work with security agencies, economic institutions, and civil stakeholders to ensure national peace, inclusive development, and the protection of all Nigerians.
