Governors of Nigeria’s South-West region have announced plans to establish a joint security force in response to escalating security threats, including the reported infiltration of ISWAP and Boko Haram militants.
The decision was reached on Thursday at the South-West Governors’ Forum meeting held at Lagos House, Ikeja. Discussions also covered food security and regional economic cooperation.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who presented the 11-point communiqué after the closed-door meeting, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated security efforts. He condemned all threats to the region and called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits. To bolster security, the governors agreed to create a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team to oversee safety measures across the region.
Additionally, the governors committed to enhancing intelligence sharing among state security agencies, local networks, and federal law enforcement to counter emerging threats. Those present at the meeting included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
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Beyond security concerns, the forum tackled the soaring cost of food and agreed to establish food hubs and an inter-state monitoring team to control price inflation. Expressing concern over the impact of middlemen on skyrocketing food prices, the governors pledged to implement collaborative strategies to stabilize food supply chains.
The governors reaffirmed their support for the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) and announced that its headquarters would be located at Cocoa House, Ibadan. Commending the efforts of Odu’a Investment Company and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, they lauded their contributions to regional industrialization and economic development.
