In a decisive move to fortify regional stability, the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), in conjunction with the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), has announced the establishment of a Zonal Security Fund and a comprehensive intelligence-sharing framework.

This resolution was the highlight of a high-profile joint meeting held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Governor’s Residence in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday hosted a meeting of the 17 Southern States’ Governors at his private residence in Iperu Remo, Ikenne LGA, to discuss shared regional concerns and strengthen collaboration between political and traditional leadership.

In his welcome address, Governor Abiodun, who also chairs the Southern Governors Forum (SGF), said the gathering reflects “a union defined by shared aspirations, common challenges, and a collective determination to build stability and prosperity for the people of Southern Nigeria.”

He highlighted the historical continuity of cooperation, noting, “It is this historical consciousness that must guide our collaborative efforts as we navigate the complex realities of our contemporary Nigerian federation.”

Citing the recent surge in mass abductions and criminal activities, Abiodun stressed that coordinated leadership is now more crucial than ever. “No region is insulated from organised criminality or violent extremism,” he said.

Governors in attendance included Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia), Biodun Oyebamiji (Ekiti), Francis Nwifiru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo). 

Deputy governors represented other states, including Kola Adewusi (Osun), Bayo Lawal (Oyo), Peter Odey (Cross River), and Dennis Idahosa (Edo).

Against the backdrop of rising insecurity, Abiodun emphasised that the forum’s advocacy for the creation of State Police remains a “non-negotiable component” of Southern governors’ collective security strategy. 

He said, “Southern Nigeria must adopt a proactive and integrated security framework anchored on intelligence-sharing, border protection, safe-school systems, corridor surveillance, and strong community participation.”

The governor added that a decentralised police system would enable states to take direct responsibility for protecting their citizens, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve early-warning capabilities.

Following briefings from Security Chiefs representing the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and NSCDC on the region’s equipment and manpower deficits, the leaders resolved that member states in each geopolitical zone would contribute to a dedicated fund to support security operations and capacity building.

To ensure the effectiveness of this new security architecture, the forum adopted an intelligence-sharing framework backed by modern communication equipment and surveillance technologies.

This initiative aims to enable real-time monitoring and coordinated responses across state lines, supported by the institutionalization of monthly Zonal Security Coordination Meetings of Security Advisers.

The leaders also reiterated their longstanding demand for State Police as a constitutional imperative, citing the success of regional security outfits as proof of the urgent need for decentralized policing.

Broadening the security strategy to the grassroots, the forum resolved to formally incorporate traditional rulers into state security councils, acknowledging their critical role in intelligence gathering.

Member states were encouraged to provide direct financial and operational support to traditional councils to enhance their governance and peacebuilding capacities.

Additionally, the forum urged states to partner with traditional rulers to regulate land allocation and combat illegal mining activities, which were identified as significant sources of ecological damage and security risks.

In a significant political development, the joint body passed a Vote of Confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The leaders commended the President’s bold leadership in restoring macroeconomic stability, specifically highlighting the stabilization of foreign exchange, the easing of food prices, and the sustained reduction in inflation for seven consecutive months.

They also lauded the administration’s transformative infrastructure agenda, citing landmark projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

Recalling the Asaba Accord of May 2021, wherein Southern Governors unanimously advocated for a President of Southern extraction, the forum explicitly restated its support for a Southern President in the person of President Tinubu.

The meeting also addressed national security concerns, extending condolences to the President over the loss of military personnel in Borno and the recent abductions in the North, while acknowledging the successful rescue efforts that have reassured citizens of the government’s priority on security.

The forum concluded by addressing attempts to sow discord within the region, reassuring all citizens that Southern Nigeria remains united and committed to peaceful co-existence across religious and cultural lines.

The leaders pledged to continue speaking with one voice to advance the collective interests of the South while working collaboratively with the Federal Government to promote peace and prosperity for all Nigerians.