Governors of the South-West Governors’ Forum have declared that the establishment of State Police “can no longer be delayed,” asserting that “The Time is Now” to grant states control over security architecture as regional insecurity intensifies.
The declaration was the central resolution following a high-stakes meeting held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Monday. The governors—hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde —deliberated on security, economic development, agriculture, and regional integration.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who chairs the Forum, read the official communiqué. In attendance were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Prince Kola Adewusi (representing Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke), and the host governor, Seyi Makinde.
The Forum approved a sweeping new regional security framework, which includes the establishment of a South-West Security Fund (SWSF) under the DAWN Commission. This fund will be managed by Special Advisers on Security from the six states and is scheduled to meet monthly.
To improve coordination, the governors adopted a unified digital intelligence-sharing platform for real-time exchange of threat alerts, incident reports, and rapid response coordination across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.
Expressing concern over the infiltration of forests by criminal groups, the governors urged the Federal Government to bolster forest surveillance and support the deployment of Forest Guards. They reaffirmed their collective commitment to reclaiming forest belts from criminal activity.
The Forum also raised alarms over unregulated interstate migration and escalating illegal mining, warning that both issues pose growing security and environmental threats. They resolved to intensify collaboration to ensure migration does not facilitate criminal movements.
The governors commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent interventions on national security and successful rescue operations, particularly in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states.
On economic matters, they acknowledged improvements in food production across the region and commended the Federal Government’s efforts toward food sufficiency. They also lauded the establishment of the South-West Development Commission and urged it to deliver effectively on its mandate.
The Forum expressed satisfaction with the DAWN Commission’s work on regional integration and security, concluding by calling for unity, vigilance, and the preservation of the region’s culture of religious tolerance.
