New information has come out from the latest meeting of the South West Governors’ Forum, with the leaders unveiling a set of fresh security and development actions for the region.
The meeting took place on Monday inside the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, where the six governors met behind closed doors before releasing a communiqué.
According to the forum, the decisions were reached after long discussions on insecurity, agriculture, the economy and regional development.
The governors also acknowledged recent security challenges across the country and expressed support for ongoing rescue operations in the North-West and North-Central.
In the communiqué, the governors said, “The forum commends Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.”
They also noted the recent attacks in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States.
The forum stated, “The forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings…”
The governors praised the quick efforts taken to free abducted victims from Kwara and Niger, adding that the region must strengthen its own internal security operations.
Regional Security Fund and Digital Intelligence Network
A major highlight of the communiqué was the creation of a coordinated regional security system.
The governors approved a new financial structure known as the South West Security Fund. They said it would be handled under the DAWN Commission and supervised by security advisers from all six states.
The forum also agreed on a joint intelligence-sharing platform.
According to the communiqué, “Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform… will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response.”
Focus on Forest Surveillance and Migration Control
The governors raised concerns about rising criminal activities inside forest areas across the region.
They praised the ongoing work of security agencies, hunters and the Amotekun Corps.
The communiqué stated, “The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the South West States…”
It added that Forest Guards should be deployed with state governments providing personnel.
They also discussed unregulated movement across state borders.
The forum warned that irregular migration has become a serious security risk.
It urged stronger border checks, better record-keeping and closer ties with NIMC to help with identification.
Illegal Mining, State Police and Food Security
Illegal mining was another key issue. The governors said the activity is now a threat to the region’s environment and security.
They called for stricter licences, tougher monitoring and firm action against miners involved in violence or illegal operations.
They again demanded the creation of state police, saying it is long overdue.
The communiqué emphasised, “The Time is Now.”
The governors also recognised efforts to stabilise food production. They thanked farmers across the South West for boosting output and helping to reduce rising food prices.
SW Development Commission and Call for Peace
The forum expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for setting up the South West Development Commission.
It also commended the DAWN Commission for its work on integration and planning.
The communiqué ended with an appeal to residents to remain peaceful.
It stated that unity and religious tolerance remain key values of the region.
Meanwhile, the South West Governors’ Forum consists of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States.
The group has, for years, pushed for better security coordination, the establishment of Amotekun and stronger cooperation on economic issues.
Monday’s decisions come at a time when the region faces continuous threats, including kidnapping, forest encroachment, illegal mining and rising migration activities.