The South West Governors’ Forum has introduced a series of security, economic and administrative initiatives aimed at improving safety and development across the region.
The announcement was contained in a communiqué released after the forum’s meeting held on Monday at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
According to the governors, the resolutions were reached after extensive discussions on agriculture, economic and regional development, as well as security issues affecting the South West.
The forum also expressed support for ongoing Federal Government rescue operations in the North-West and North-Central following recent attacks.
The communiqué stated: “The forum commends the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for efforts in tackling insecurity and for various economic reforms and developmental initiatives.
“The forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent kidnappings at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary’s in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, and the CAC Church at Eruku, Kwara State.
“The forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government in rescuing the abducted individuals in Kwara and more than 51 students from the Catholic school in Niger State. The forum reviewed the current security situation in the region and resolved to take decisive steps to protect lives and property.”
Several security-focused decisions were outlined, including the creation of a regional fund and a new technology-driven intelligence network.
South West Regional Security Fund: The forum agreed to establish the South West Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission, to be managed by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security from all South West states. The advisers are to meet monthly.
Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform: The forum resolved to create a live, digital intelligence-sharing system among all six South West states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat alerts, incident reports, traveller and cargo notifications, and facilitate coordinated rapid response.
The governors also raised concerns about criminal activities in forest areas and the dangers posed by unregulated migration.
On forest surveillance, the communiqué stated: “The forum commends the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), hunters, Amotekun corps members and all security agencies. The forum urges the Federal Government to prioritise enhanced forest surveillance across the South West and secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal groups.
“To achieve this, the forum agreed that the Federal Government should support the deployment of forest guards across the South West, while each state government provides necessary personnel. The governors reaffirm their commitment to reclaiming forest areas and preventing their use as safe corridors for banditry, kidnapping or other criminal activities.”
Regarding interstate movement, it stated: “The forum expresses deep concern about unregulated interstate migration, which continues to pose significant risks across the region. The forum calls for stricter border monitoring, improved data collection, and proper identification measures in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The states agreed to strengthen security cooperation to ensure that interstate movement does not become a channel for insecurity.”
The forum also warned that illegal mining activities were becoming a major threat to stability in the region.
“Illegal Mining Activities: The forum expresses deep concern over the rise in illegal mining across South West states, which threatens environmental safety, public health and regional security. The forum calls for a comprehensive licensing framework, stronger monitoring mechanisms and strict enforcement actions against offenders who may engage in violent crimes under the guise of mining.”
The governors restated their long-standing demand for state-controlled policing, saying: “State Police: The forum reaffirms its support for the establishment of state police, emphasising that the time is now and that implementation can no longer be delayed.”
They also acknowledged ongoing national efforts in food security and climate resilience.
“Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Resilience: The forum appreciates the Federal Government’s efforts toward food sufficiency and commends farmers in the region for increased agricultural output, which has helped stabilise and reduce food prices.”
The forum also thanked President Tinubu for establishing the South West Development Commission.
“South West Development Commission (SWDC): The forum expresses gratitude to the President for setting up the commission and urges it to deliver effectively on its mandate. The forum also commends the DAWN Commission for its role in regional integration and security.”
The governors concluded by urging residents of the region to uphold peace and harmony.
“Finally, the forum calls on all people of the South West to remain united and committed to sustaining the peace in our region. We remain one indivisible entity that will continue to uphold the religious tolerance for which we are known.”
The South West Governors’ Forum, comprising the governors of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, has increasingly positioned itself as a key regional bloc addressing economic, security and development challenges in the zone.
Amid rising concerns over insecurity, including kidnappings, forest incursions, illegal mining and unregulated migration, the forum has intensified its coordination efforts through institutions such as the DAWN Commission and regional security outfits like Amotekun.
Monday’s meeting took place at a time when the region continues to face evolving security threats and economic pressures. The governors have repeatedly advocated for state police, improved federal cooperation and stronger intelligence-sharing across member states.
