The South-West Governors’ Forum recently convened in Ibadan, Oyo State, addressing critical issues encompassing security, economic development, and agriculture within the region. The meeting saw the presence of Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo, host), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos, Chairman), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), with Osun State’s Governor Ademola Adeleke represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi. The deliberations culminated in a comprehensive communiqué outlining several key resolutions and declarations.

A paramount declaration from the Forum was the unequivocal insistence on the immediate establishment of state police. The governors emphasized its urgent national necessity, asserting that “the time is now” for decentralised policing and that its implementation “can no longer be delayed” to strengthen security across the South-West and the nation.

In a concerted effort to enhance regional security, the Forum approved the creation of a South-West Security Fund (SWSF). This fund will be administered under the auspices of the DAWN Commission by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security from all South-West states, with monthly meetings scheduled to oversee its operations. Furthermore, the governors resolved to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among the six South-West states. This platform is designed to facilitate real-time communication, exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts, and coordinate rapid state-to-state responses.

Deep concern was expressed regarding the pervasive issue of criminal elements utilizing vast forest belts across the region as hideouts. The Forum urgently called upon the Federal Government to prioritize enhanced forest surveillance and to secure these critical areas. They recommended the deployment of Forest Guards throughout the region, stipulating that while the Federal Government should assist in deployment, each state government would be responsible for providing the required personnel. This initiative reaffirms the governors’ collective commitment to reclaiming these forests and ensuring they no longer serve as safe corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any other form of criminal activity.

Addressing other significant security challenges, the Forum highlighted the growing concern over unregulated interstate migration, which continues to pose considerable challenges across the South-West. Governors agreed to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity, and to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identification of migrants. Additionally, the escalating illegal mining activities were identified as a grave threat to environmental safety, public health, and regional security, prompting a call for a comprehensive licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators.

The Governors’ Forum also extended strong support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending his dedication to the fight against insecurity, various economic reforms, and other developmental agendas. They expressed solidarity with the Federal Government following recent kidnapping incidents in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states, applauding the swift response that led to the rescue of abductees.

On economic and developmental fronts, the Forum acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of farmers in the region, noting the significant increase in agricultural output which has contributed to stability and a reduction in food prices. They also extended gratitude to President Tinubu for the establishment of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), urging the commission to effectively deliver on its mandate. Furthermore, the DAWN Commission was praised for its pivotal activities on regional integration and security initiatives.

In conclusion, the Forum enjoined citizens to remain united, reiterating their commitment to upholding and guarding the religious tolerance for which the South-West region is known, emphasizing the importance of remaining one indivisible entity.