- South-West governors agreed to form a joint security force to tackle Boko Haram threats, others
- Establishment of a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team to oversee security operations across the region
- Support for the South-West Development Commission and location of its headquarters at Cocoa House, Ibadan
Governors from Nigeria's South-West states have agreed to form a joint security force to address escalating security concerns, including the influx of Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram militants into the region.
The decision was made on Thursday, February 13 during a meeting of the South-West Governors’ Forum at Lagos House in Ikeja. The governors also discussed challenges related to food security and economic collaboration.
South-West governors call for stronger security coordination
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who presented a communiqué after the closed-door session, emphasised the need for enhanced security coordination.
“The Forum strongly condemns any threats to the region’s security and encourages collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits.
“A Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team will be established to oversee security efforts across the Southwest,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He condemned any threats to the region's safety and called for stronger cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits. A Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team was also announced to oversee security efforts across the South-West.
The governors further agreed to boost intelligence sharing among state security agencies, local networks, and federal law enforcement to combat emerging security threats.
In attendance were Governors, Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
Governors collaborate to stabilise food supply chains, curb inflation
On economic issues, the forum tackled the rising cost of food and decided to establish food hubs and create an inter-state monitoring team to manage price inflation.
They also expressed concerns about middlemen inflating food prices and pledged to collaborate on stabilising the region's food supply chains.
Additionally, the governors reaffirmed their support for the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) and agreed to locate its headquarters at Cocoa House in Ibadan.
The meeting also recognised Odu’a Investment Company and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission for their roles in promoting regional development and industrialisation.
NCDI urges North Central governors to establish regional security similar to ‘Amotekun’
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the North Central Development Initiative (NCDI) called for the creation of a regional security network in the North-Central zone to address insecurity.
The organisation urged North-Central governors to emulate South-West and South-East security outfits, "Amotekun" and "Ebubeagu."