Southern Leaders Establish Zonal Security Fund to Tackle Rising Insecurity

In a strategic move to strengthen security across the region, Southern governors and traditional rulers have announced the establishment of a zonal security fund. The initiative is aimed at coordinating regional security operations and addressing escalating threats in Southern Nigeria.

The decision was taken during a joint meeting of the Southern Governors’ Forum and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, held in Iperu, Ogun State. The meeting was hosted by Ogun State Governor and Forum Chairman, Dapo Abiodun, and drew governors and prominent traditional rulers from across the South to discuss critical issues including security, governance, economic stability, and regional cooperation.

In a statement shared on social media, Abiodun emphasized the commitment of Southern leaders to fostering unity and ensuring a secure Nigeria. He also extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over recent losses in Borno, Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States, while commending his administration for stabilizing the economy, reducing inflation, supporting security agencies, and delivering major infrastructure projects nationwide.

The key resolutions of the meeting include:

Creation of a zonal security fund to strengthen coordinated security efforts in Southern Nigeria.

Enhanced intelligence sharing among states.

Continued advocacy for the establishment of State Police.

Implementation of a unified resident identification programme to improve internal security.

Strengthening regional security outfits and boosting support for traditional councils, which play a central role in community-based security and conflict resolution.

Improvement of land and mining governance frameworks.

The leaders also reaffirmed their confidence in President Tinubu and reiterated their support for a Southern President ahead of the 2027 general elections, in line with the Asaba Accord.

Governor Abiodun assured citizens that Southern Nigeria remains united and committed to collective efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and promoting prosperity.

Governors in attendance included the Vice Chairman of the Forum, Anambra State’s Chukwuma Soludo, and governors of Ekiti, Abia, Ondo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Lagos states. Some governors, including those of Edo, Osun, Cross River, and Oyo states, were represented by their deputies.