Governors of Nigeria’s South West region have unveiled a series of major security and development measures aimed at strengthening cooperation, improving safety, and addressing emerging threats across the six states.
The resolutions were issued in a communiqué released after the South West Governors’ Forum met on Monday at the Governor’s Office Secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The meeting brought together the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo, who held extensive deliberations on security, agriculture, economic development, regional integration, and the widening impact of violence in neighbouring states.
Okay News reports that the Forum expressed strong solidarity with the Federal Government following recent mass abductions in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara.
The governors praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as his proactive steps in tackling insecurity and initiating broad economic reforms.
They also commended the federal authorities for the rescue of abductees from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, and over 51 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, as well as victims of the CAC Church abduction in Kwara.
Below are the key resolutions from the meeting:
1. South West Regional Security Fund
The Forum approved the creation of a South West Security Fund (SWSF) to be managed by the DAWN Commission. The fund will be overseen by the Special Advisers on Security from each state, who will meet monthly to coordinate regional security efforts.
2. Digital Intelligence-Sharing Platform
The governors agreed to launch a live digital intelligence-sharing system connecting all six states. The platform will share real-time threat alerts, incident logs, and movement notifications for people and cargo, enabling coordinated response to cross-border threats.
3. Forest Surveillance and Federal Support
Acknowledging increased criminal activity in forests, the governors praised security agencies, including Amotekun, the NSCDC, hunters, and other operatives. They urged the Federal Government to urgently deploy Forest Guards across the region, with states providing personnel. The Forum reaffirmed a collective commitment to reclaiming forests and ending their use as safe havens for kidnappers and bandits.
4. Interstate Migration Controls
Raising alarm over unregulated migration patterns, the Forum called for tighter border surveillance, improved data capture, and collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). States will work together to ensure migration does not become a channel for insecurity.
5. Crackdown on Illegal Mining
Concerned about the surge in illicit mining, the governors demanded stronger licensing systems, strict enforcement, and continuous monitoring to address environmental, security, and public health risks.
6. Support for State Police
The governors reaffirmed their unanimous support for the establishment of State Police, emphasising that “the time is now” and that the reform “can no longer be delayed.”
7. Agriculture and Climate Resilience
The Forum applauded federal policies aimed at achieving food security and commended farmers for increased output, which they said has helped stabilise and reduce food prices in the region.
8. South West Development Commission (SWDC)
They thanked President Tinubu for establishing the Commission and urged it to deliver effectively on its mandate.
9. Commendation for DAWN Commission
The governors praised the DAWN Commission for its ongoing work in deepening regional integration and security collaboration.
10. Call for Unity
The Forum closed by urging residents of the South West to remain united and committed to the peace and religious harmony the region is known for.
