From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has formed a sub-committee to work with security agency heads to tackle Nigeria’s rising insecurity. This follows a presentation on technology-driven security initiatives by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa. Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, announced this after an NGF meeting briefed by the CDS.
“The Forum received a presentation from the CDS on an innovative security initiative aimed at strengthening national and sub-national capacity for early threat detection and coordinated response,” Uzodinma said.
“The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management and public safety.”
Governors supported the initiative’s goals and stressed the need for technology-driven solutions to address state-level security challenges. “Governors also commended the CDS and indeed the Nigerian military for these valuable propositions and initiatives,” Uzodinma added.
The decision comes amid increased violence in states like Plateau, Benue, Borno, and Kwara. On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu, meeting security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, declared, “Enough is enough.”
He ordered an immediate end to violence and a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, told reporters, “Mr President has instructed us to work more closely with governors, traditional rulers, and community leaders, especially where issues are rooted in local conflicts. The fight against insecurity must involve collaboration with subnational actors.” Ribadu noted Tinubu’s concern and said the military, police, and intelligence services are fully deployed, adding,
“We believe we’re on the right track, and though not everything is fully resolved, significant improvements have been made.”
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, speaking early Thursday, emphasised collaboration. “It is not an indictment on governors,” he said. “We have a limited constitutional role, but we must work with security agencies. The possibility of creating state police would go a long way in tackling insecurity at the sub-national level.” He urged security agencies to step up and agreed that all stakeholders must address insecurity together.
The NGF meeting also covered land reform and housing initiatives by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, and a proposed partnership to improve electricity distribution. Uzodinma said Dangiwa outlined housing projects under the Renewed Hope Programme and proposed land registration reforms to formalise ownership, enhance tenure security, and boost state revenues.
“The Forum also received a presentation on a proposed strategic partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited (PSGN), aimed at revitalising the electricity distribution sector through private sector investment,” Uzodinma said.
“Under the proposed agreement, PSGN will assume operational control of select distribution companies (Discos), introduce advanced smart grid technologies and establish a meter production facility to enhance service delivery and energy across states.”
Dangiwa, briefing reporters after his presentation, said he updated governors on the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme and requested land from states yet to provide it for the housing initiative.