Southern governors to establish security fund, boost intelligence sharing
The Southern Governors’ Forum has resolved to establish a zonal security fund, with member states contributing to a dedicated pool to support regional security operations and enhance capacity building across the geopolitical zones.
The Forum also agreed to institutionalize a monthly Zonal Security Coordination Meeting involving Security Advisers within the region.
These resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a joint meeting between the Southern Governors’ Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers’ Council, held in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, and read by the Forum Chairman, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Governors present at the meeting included Prof. Charles Soludo (Anambra), Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dr. Alex Otti (Abia), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).
The Deputy Governors of Edo, Osun, Cross River and Oyo States represented their governors.
To strengthen intelligence communication infrastructure, the governors approved an intelligence-sharing framework backed by modern communication technologies, real-time surveillance systems, and interoperable equipment that will enable coordinated responses across state lines.
Reaffirming their longstanding position on the need to decentralize policing, the governors reiterated their call for the creation of state police as a constitutional imperative, noting the successes already recorded by community-based and regional security initiatives.
The communiqué further encouraged states to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to implement a unified resident identification system in the region.
The Forum also resolved to enhance the operations of regional and local security outfits, including hunters’ associations and community surveillance units, through improved equipment, logistics, and operational support.
In strengthening security governance, the Forum urged states to work closely with traditional rulers in regulating land allocation to curb indiscriminate practices that could heighten security threats. It also resolved to tackle illegal mining activities—described as a major source of ecological and security challenges—by partnering with environmental agencies and traditional institutions.
To deepen grassroots participation, the governors encouraged states to provide direct financial and operational support to traditional councils to enable them to play a more effective role in security and peacebuilding.
Despite attempts to create tension and distrust within the region, the Southern Governors’ Forum pledged to continue speaking with one voice, promoting the collective interests of the South, and collaborating with the Federal Government to ensure peace, prosperity, and progress for all Nigerians.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Forum’s commitment to national unity, stronger regional cooperation, and the deepening of an inclusive, secure, and equitable federation. The governors also commended the President for recent successful rescue operations of kidnapped victims in parts of the country
