The South West Governors’ Forum on Monday declared plans to unveil a series of security, economic and administrative measures targeted at strengthening safety and development across the region.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued at the end of the forum’s meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
According to the governors, the resolutions followed extensive deliberations on agriculture, economic and regional development, as well as security challenges affecting the South West region.
The forum also pledged support for the Federal Government ongoing rescue efforts in the North-West and North-Central part of the country, following recent attacks.
The communique read, “The forum commends Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.
“The forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings, at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary’s in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger and the CAC Church at Eruku, Kwara State.
“The forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government towards the rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students of the Catholic School, Niger State. The forum reviewed the current state of security of our region and took some decisions to ensure the security of the lives and property of our people.”
The communiqué highlighted several security-focused decisions, including a regional fund and a new tech-driven intelligence network.
“South West Regional Security Fund: The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under DAWN Commission to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States and to meet monthly.
“Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform: The forum resolves to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response,” the communique added.
While commending the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, local Hunters, Amotekun Corps Members and all the other security agencies, the governors stressed the urgent need for the Federal Government to enhance forest surveillance across the region, as well as securing the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements.
“To this end, the Forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the South West states, with each State Government responsible for providing the required personnel.
The Governors reaffirm their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests and ensuring that these spaces no longer serve as safe corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activities.”
On interstate movement, it added, “Interstate Migration: the forum expresses deep concern on the unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose significant challenges across the Southwest. The forum calls for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self-identification, and for each South West State to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identification. The forum agrees to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity.”
Sharing its opinion on illegal mining in the country, the Forum warned that it was becoming a major threat to stability and safety in the region.
“Illegal Mining Activities: The forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security.
“The forum calls for a comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining”, it stated.
The governors however, reiterated their long-standing demand for state-controlled policing, stating, “State Police: The Forum reaffirms its support for the establishment of State Police, emphasising that ‘The Time is Now’ and It can no longer be delayed.”
The Forum appreciated President Bola Tinubu for establishing the South West Development Commission, charging the Commission to effectively deliver on its mandate, especially on regional integration and security.
“South West Development Commission (SWDC): The Forum thanks Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the establishment of the commission and charges the Commission to effectively deliver on its mandate. DAWN Commission: The Forum commends the DAWN Commission and its activities on regional integration and security.”
The South West Governors’ Forum, comprising the governors of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, has in recent years positioned itself as a key regional bloc addressing the economic, security and development challenges confronting the zone.
Monday’s meeting came at a time when the region continues to grapple with evolving security threats and economic pressures, as the governors had previously advocated the creation of state police, improved federal collaboration and the strengthening of security intelligence-sharing across member states.
PUNCH