The Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) have jointly issued a communiqué following their meeting held on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at the Governor’s Residence in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State. The high-level gathering brought together governors from the South-West, South-East, and South-South regions alongside leading traditional rulers to deliberate on pressing regional and national issues, with a particular focus on security, governance, and development cooperation.
The Forum reaffirmed its strong commitment to Nigeria’s unity and pledged to deepen regional collaboration in pursuit of a more inclusive, secure, and equitable federation.
In a show of solidarity, the governors and traditional rulers extended condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief over the loss of military personnel in Borno State, as well as the recent mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States. They commended the successful rescue operations and emphasized that the efforts demonstrate the administration’s prioritization of national security.
The Forum applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as decisive leadership in stabilizing the economy, citing improvements in foreign exchange stability, a seven-month decline in inflation, and gradual easing of food prices. It further praised the administration’s infrastructure drive, highlighting transformative projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway.
Acknowledging ongoing reforms in the security sector, the Forum commended the Federal Government’s work to rebuild the capacity of the Police and NSCDC through the rehabilitation of their training institutions. It also welcomed the Renewed Hope Ward Initiative, which is expected to benefit over five million residents across Southern Nigeria.
A joint session with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council focused on strengthening the role of traditional institutions in governance, cultural integration, and security coordination. The Forum encouraged states to formally integrate traditional rulers into their security councils, noting their unique access to grassroots intelligence.
The meeting emphasized the commitment of Southern leaders to safeguarding lives and property, working more closely with traditional institutions and security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering, early warning systems, enforcement, and crime deterrence.
Security chiefs from the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and NSCDC provided detailed briefings on regional security challenges, including manpower constraints, equipment shortfalls, and the need for improved intelligence coordination.
Following deliberations, the Forum announced several key resolutions:
- Establishment of a Zonal Security Fund: Each geopolitical zone will contribute to a dedicated fund for security operations, supported by monthly zonal meetings of Security Advisers.
- Boosting Intelligence and Communication Infrastructure: Member states will jointly invest in modern surveillance and communication systems to enable real-time, cross-border intelligence sharing and coordinated responses.
- Renewed Call for State Policing: The Forum reiterated its strong position that state police is a constitutional necessity for effective community-level policing.
- Unified Resident Identification Programme: States will partner with NIMC to harmonize resident identity databases for improved security management.
- Support for Regional Security Outfits: Enhanced logistics, equipment, and operational support will be provided to hunter groups and community surveillance units.
- Stricter Governance of Land and Mining Activities: States will collaborate with traditional rulers to monitor land allocation, curb indiscriminate practices, and combat illegal mining, which has caused significant environmental damage.
- Strengthening Traditional Councils: Member states are encouraged to increase financial and operational support for traditional institutions to enhance their contributions to peacebuilding and local governance.
In a demonstration of unity, the Forum and the SNTRC passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recalling the 2021 Asaba Accord where Southern Governors collectively advocated for a President of Southern extraction. The Forum reaffirmed its continued support for a Southern presidency under President Tinubu.
Addressing attempts to fuel division and disinformation in the region, the Forum reassured citizens that Southern Nigeria remains united and committed to peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural lines.
The communiqué concluded with a pledge from Southern leaders to continue speaking with one voice, safeguarding regional interests, and collaborating with the Federal Government to advance peace, security, and prosperity for all Nigerians.