In a decisive move to fortify regional security, governors from the South-West states of Nigeria have resolved to establish a Joint Security Taskforce to tackle the escalating threats posed by Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram militants.
The landmark decision was reached on Thursday during a high-level South-West Governors’ Forum meeting at Lagos House, Ikeja, where pressing issues of security, food stability, and economic collaboration took center stage.
Delivering the 11-point communiqué after the closed-door meeting, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized the urgency of bolstering security coordination across the region.
> “The Forum strongly condemns any threats to the region’s security and calls for seamless collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, local security outfits, and federal law enforcement agencies.
To achieve this, we are establishing a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team to proactively oversee security efforts across the South-West,” Sanwo-Olu announced.
The governors agreed to strengthen intelligence-sharing networks, enhance inter-agency cooperation, and deploy cutting-edge security technologies to curb insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes.
The meeting was attended by:
✅ Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
✅ Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
✅ Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti State)
✅ Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State)
✅ Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
Beyond Security: Combating Food Inflation and Economic Strengthening
Beyond security, the South-West Governors’ Forum deliberated on the skyrocketing cost of food and its economic implications. Recognizing the role of middlemen in artificial price hikes, they resolved to:
Establish Regional Food Hubs to enhance food security and price stability.
Set Up an Inter-State Monitoring Team to checkmate price manipulation and hoarding.
Expand Agricultural Investments to boost local food production and reduce dependency on external supplies.
The governors also reaffirmed their unwavering support for the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) and agreed to site its headquarters at Cocoa House, Ibadan, a historic symbol of the region’s economic strength.
Commendation for Regional Development Agencies
The Forum applauded the efforts of Odu’a Investment Company and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission for their commitment to economic growth, infrastructural development, and strategic regional integration.
This historic meeting marks a bold step in safeguarding the South-West, ensuring economic resilience, and fostering a sustainable future for the region.
PIONEER NEWS 