The South West Governors’ Forum has announced a series of security, economic and administrative measures aimed at strengthening safety and development across the region. The announcement was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the forum’s meeting held on Monday at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and made available to PUNCH Online. The governors said the resolutions followed extensive deliberations on agriculture, economic and regional development, as well as security challenges affecting the South West region. The forum also threw its weight behind ongoing Federal Government rescue efforts in the North-West and North-Central 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 outlined 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. The governors also raised the alarm over criminal activities in forests and the security risks posed by unregulated migration. On forest surveillance, the communiqué stated, “Forest Surveillance: the Forum commends the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Hunters, Amotekun Corps Members and all the other security agencies.
“The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the South West States and calls for the Federal Government to secure 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.” They also acknowledged ongoing national efforts in food security and climate resilience. It stated, “Agriculture, Food Security Climate Resilience: The Forum acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government in providing food sufficiency and in particular, commends the various farmers in the region for the increase in agricultural output and subsequent stability and reduction in food prices.” The Forum further expressed gratitude to Tinubu for establishing the South West Development Commission.
“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 governors ended by urging residents of the South West to uphold peace and harmony. “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 that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for”, the communique concluded.
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. With rising concerns over insecurity — including kidnapping incidents, forest incursions, illegal mining, and unregulated migration — the forum has intensified coordination efforts through platforms such as the DAWN Commission and regional security outfits like Amotekun. Monday’s meeting came at a time when the region continues to grapple with evolving security threats and economic pressures. The governors had previously advocated the creation of state police, improved federal collaboration and the strengthening of security intelligence-sharing across member states.
