The South West Governors’ Forum has unveiled a comprehensive package of security, economic and administrative measures aimed at strengthening safety and development across the region, reaffirming its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ongoing national reforms.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued on Monday at the end of the Forum’s meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State, and made available to the press. The governors said the decisions followed extensive deliberations on agriculture, regional economic development, and mounting security challenges affecting the six South-West states.
Backing Tinubu, Supporting National Rescue Operations
In the communiqué, the Forum commended President Tinubu for his “fight against insecurity, various economic reforms, and other developmental agenda,” describing the efforts as timely and impactful.
The governors also expressed solidarity with the Federal Government over recent attacks in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States. They applauded the swift federal response to rescue abductees from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the St. Mary’s Catholic institution in Papiri, Niger State, and the CAC Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
New Regional Security Measures Unveiled
A major highlight of the meeting was the announcement of new, far-reaching security initiatives designed to enhance coordination and response across the six states. These include:
1. South West Security Fund (SWSF)
The Forum agreed to establish a South West Security Fund, to be domiciled under the DAWN Commission and administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security from all six states. The group will meet monthly to review threats, approve security deployments and manage funding priorities.
2. Digital Intelligence-Sharing and Rapid Response System
In a push for smarter, technology-driven security management, the governors ratified the creation of a live digital intelligence-sharing platform linking Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti.
The system will exchange:
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Real-time threat notifications
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Incident logs
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Traveller and cargo alerts
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Cross-border rapid-response requests
This is expected to streamline inter-state cooperation and close intelligence gaps that criminals often exploit.
3. Forest Surveillance and Federal Deployment of Forest Guards
Alarmed by escalating criminal activities in forest belts, the Forum called for urgent federal intervention to secure forest corridors that have become hideouts for kidnappers, armed groups and illegal miners.
The governors praised the efforts of the NSCDC, local hunters and the Amotekun Corps, but emphasized that the scale of the challenge requires federal deployment of Forest Guards across the region. States will supply personnel for the initiative.
The communiqué stressed the governors’ “collective commitment to reclaiming the forests and ensuring these spaces no longer serve as safe corridors for criminal activities.”
4. Tighter Border Monitoring and Control of Interstate Migration
The Forum expressed deep concern over unregulated interstate migration, warning that porous borders had become conduits for insecurity.
It called for:
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Stricter border monitoring
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Data collection and self-identification systems
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Closer collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
The goal, it said, is to ensure that movement into the South-West does not become a cover for criminal infiltration.
5. Crackdown on Illegal Mining
Illegal mining, described as an “escalating threat to environmental safety, public health and regional stability,” also featured prominently.
The Forum demanded:
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A comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework
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Strengthened monitoring
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Strict enforcement actions against violators who commit crimes under the guise of mining
Reaffirming the Call for State Police
Reiterating a long-standing regional position, the governors renewed their demand for the establishment of state-controlled police formations, declaring unequivocally that “The Time is Now.”
They argued that the scale and complexity of security threats in the country require decentralised policing and community-based law enforcement structures that respond swiftly to local realities.
Commendation for Federal Support on Agriculture and Development
The communiqué also highlighted progress in agriculture, food security and climate resilience. The governors praised the Federal Government for measures aimed at stabilising food prices and supporting farmers, noting that agricultural output in the region has increased significantly.
They further expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for establishing the South West Development Commission (SWDC), and urged the new body to deliver effectively on its mandate of enhancing regional integration and development.
DAWN Commission, the regional technical and development agency, also received commendation for its contributions to integration, economic planning and security architecture.
Call for Peace, Unity and Communal Harmony
The governors concluded the communiqué by urging residents of the South West to remain united, peaceful and committed to the region’s longstanding reputation for religious tolerance and communal coexistence.
“Finally, the Forum enjoins all the South-West people to remain united and committed to the peace that exists in our dear region. We remain one, indivisible entity,” the statement added.
A Strengthening Regional Bloc
In recent years, the South West Governors’ Forum — comprising the governors of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti — has emerged as a pivotal regional bloc addressing the economic, security and developmental challenges confronting the zone. Its coordination through Amotekun, the DAWN Commission, and joint policy platforms has become increasingly critical as the region faces rising security threats, economic pressures and population shifts.
Monday’s meeting reinforces the governors’ resolve to deepen collaboration, embrace technology, and support federal initiatives while advancing region-specific solutions.
May South-West Succeed
