The governors of Nigeria’s South-West states gathered in Ibadan on Monday for an emergency strategy session aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in security, agriculture, and socio-economic development.
The meeting—hosted by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde—brought together leaders of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States.
After hours of closed-door deliberations at the Governor’s Office in Agodi, the South-West Governors’ Forum released a far-reaching communiqué outlining new joint commitments and initiatives for the region.
Key Outcomes from the South-West Governors’ Forum Meeting
Held on Monday, November 24, 2025
Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State
The Forum reviewed ongoing national security efforts, particularly Federal Government interventions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States following recent abductions.
They applauded the swift rescue operations, especially the retrieval of more than 51 abducted students in Niger State and kidnapped worshippers in Kwara.
Reaffirming their pledge to safeguard lives and property within the region, the governors announced a series of coordinated actions:
1. Creation of the South-West Security Fund
To consolidate regional security architecture, the governors approved the establishment of the South-West Security Fund (SWSF), which will operate under the supervision of the DAWN Commission.
Special Advisers on Security from each state will jointly manage the fund and hold monthly coordination meetings.
2. Launch of a Joint Intelligence-Sharing Digital Platform
A real-time intelligence exchange system will be rolled out across the six states.
This digital hub will enable the rapid sharing of threat alerts, incident reports, movement and cargo intelligence, and coordinated emergency responses between states.
3. Strengthened Forest Monitoring and Guard Deployment
Recognizing the growing threat posed by criminal hideouts within regional forest belts, the Forum called on the Federal Government to support the deployment of Forest Guards across the South-West. States will supply the personnel, while the Federal Government provides operational backing.
The governors commended Amotekun, NSCDC, hunters, and other security agencies for ongoing surveillance efforts.
4. Tackling Unregulated Interstate Migration
Concerned about the security risks linked to uncontrolled movement into the region, the Forum resolved to enhance border monitoring and population data collection.
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States will collaborate closely with NIMC to ensure proper identification and documentation of migrants.
5. Curbing Illegal Mining
With illegal mining increasingly linked to environmental degradation and criminal activity, the governors demanded stricter licensing rules, improved monitoring structures, and tough enforcement measures across all South-West states.
6. Strong Push for State Police
The Forum reiterated its long-standing call for the creation of state police, emphasizing that the urgency “can no longer be postponed.”
7. Boosting Food Security and Climate Resilience
The governors acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for agricultural expansion and hailed farmers within the region for improved production levels, which have contributed to more stable food prices.
8. South-West Development Commission (SWDC)
They expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the SWDC and urged the Commission to deliver tangible development dividends across the region.
9. Commendation of DAWN Commission
The DAWN Commission received praise for its ongoing work in promoting regional integration and coordinating strategic development plans.
10. Call for Unity and Peace
The Forum urged residents of the South-West to remain united, uphold religious tolerance, and protect the region’s longstanding reputation for peaceful coexistence.
