By Nosa Ekhator
Governors of the South‑West region met in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, 24 November 2025, to address the growing security challenges facing the area. Present were Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu (Lagos), Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Governor Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti). Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, at the emergency meeting held at the Oyo State Government Secretariat.
The meeting was convened to review collaborative security initiatives, fast‑track infrastructure development and strengthen regional integration under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria. Following deliberations, the governors announced a series of sweeping security and development measures, including the creation of a South‑West Security Fund, a joint intelligence‑sharing system, tighter border monitoring and renewed advocacy for state police.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the governors commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “the fight against insecurity, various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.” They also expressed solidarity with the Federal Government over recent kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States, praising the “swift response” that led to the rescue of abducted worshippers in Kwara and more than 51 students of St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South‑West Governors’ Forum, Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, presented the communiqué. He said the governors had reviewed the security situation in the region and adopted ten key resolutions, the most notable being:
- The establishment of a South‑West Security Fund (SWSF) to be domiciled under the DAWN Commission and administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security, with monthly meetings to coordinate regional interventions.
- The approval of a digital, real‑time intelligence‑sharing platform for the six states, designed to exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts, and to coordinate rapid state‑to‑state responses.
The governors commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), hunters’ groups and the Amotekun Corps, and called on the Federal Government to deploy Forest Guards across the South‑West states, with the states providing personnel. They reaffirmed a collective commitment to “reclaiming the forests” from criminal elements.
Concern was raised over “unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose significant challenges,” prompting calls for stricter border monitoring, biometric data collection and improved collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Reiterating a long‑standing demand, the governors declared their support for the establishment of state police, stating: “The time is now. It can no longer be delayed.”
The governors also praised the Federal Government’s efforts toward food sufficiency and commended farmers in the region for increased production, which they said had contributed to stability and a reduction in food prices. They thanked President Tinubu for establishing the South‑West Development Commission (SWDC) and urged it to “effectively deliver on its mandate.”
“We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance for which we have always been known,” the communiqué concluded.
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