The Southwest Governors’ Forum has unveiled a new regional security framework aimed at strengthening protection across the six states, emphasizing that the creation of State Police “can no longer be delayed.”
The announcement followed a meeting at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Monday, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The governors deliberated on security, economic development, agriculture, and regional integration. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, chairman of the Forum, read the communiqué.
Present at the meeting were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Prince Kola Adewusi representing Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, and host Governor Seyi Makinde.
The Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for interventions on national security and recent rescue operations, notably in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, praising federal efforts in addressing kidnappings and insecurity.
To strengthen regional security, the governors approved the establishment of a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission, to be administered by Special Advisers on Security from all six states with monthly meetings. They also launched a unified digital intelligence-sharing platform for real-time exchange of threat alerts, incident reports, traveler and cargo notifications, and coordinated rapid response across the zone.
Expressing concern over criminal infiltration of forests, the governors called on the Federal Government to boost forest surveillance and support deployment of Forest Guards. They reaffirmed their commitment to reclaiming forest belts from criminal hideouts.
The Forum also highlighted rising challenges linked to unregulated interstate migration and illegal mining, stressing the need for stricter border management and collaborative action to prevent security and environmental threats.
Reiterating a long-standing position, the governors declared that the establishment of State Police is overdue, stating: “The Time is Now.”
On economic matters, the Forum acknowledged improvements in agricultural productivity, commending farmers and the Federal Government’s role in achieving food sufficiency. They also lauded the creation of the South-West Development Commission and the DAWN Commission, urging both to effectively deliver on their mandates.
The meeting concluded with a call for regional unity, vigilance, and preservation of religious tolerance, with the governors affirming their commitment to peace and integration across the Southwest.
