From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has established a sub-committee to work closely with heads of security agencies to find immediate solutions to the country’s escalating insecurity, following a presentation on technology-driven security initiatives by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, made this disclosure at the end of the Forum’s meeting where they were 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.
“The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management and public safety.
“Governors expressed support for the initiative’s objectives and underscored the importance of technology-driven solutions in addressing evolving security challenges at the state level.
“Governors also commended the CDS, and indeed, the Nigerian military for these valuable propositions and initiatives,” he said.
The NGF’s move followed rising violent attacks in states, such as Plateau, Benue, Borno and Kwara. President Bola Tinubu, in a separate high-level meeting with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, issued a stern marching order: ‘Enough is enough.’ He demanded an immediate halt to violence and directed a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, briefing reporters after the meeting, said: “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 added that the president was deeply concerned and emphasised that all security arms; the military, police, and intelligence services are fully deployed and working round the clock. “We believe we’re on the right track, and though not everything is fully resolved, significant improvements have been made.”
Also speaking to reporters at the early hours of yesterday, Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, highlighted the need for cooperation. He said governors were in no way indicted with recent killings because of their limitations. He stated: “It is not an indictment on governors. 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.”
According to him, while he agreed with the comment of the National Security Council, he also believe that the security agencies in Nigeria should also step up action and do what is right.
He said while leaders must take responsibility, there was the need for all stakeholders to work together and address the problem of insecurity.
“In my opinion, it is not an indictment. I do agree that we have a limited role to play concerning the constitution of Nigeria.
“By the grace of God, it is one of the areas we are going to look at, the possibility of the creation of state police in Nigeria, which for me would go a long way in tackling insecurity, particularly at the sub-national level,” he said.
The NGF meeting also included presentations on land reform and housing initiatives by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, and a proposed partnership to revitalise electricity distribution, signalling a broader agenda for socio-economic development alongside security.
Uzodinma said the minister outlined ongoing housing initiatives under the Renewed Hope programme and proposed a comprehensive land registration reform to formalise land ownership, enhance tenure security and boost internally generated revenue across states.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Dangiwa, who had earlier briefed newsmen, after his presentation said it was to update the governors on the current administration’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
The minister said the presentation was also to request for land from all the state governors yet to offer the required land needed for the housing programme.