INSECURITY: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SEEKS DEEPER PARTNERSHIP WITH TRADITIONAL RULERS

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with traditional institutions to enhance peace, security, unity, and sustainable development across Nigeria.

This position was delivered by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held in Dutse, Jigawa State. The message was contained in a statement by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim.

Tinubu acknowledged the vital role of traditional rulers in governance, community mobilisation, and peacebuilding, describing them as key partners in driving national progress.

According to Idris, the administration fully recognises the importance of traditional institutions and remains committed to deepening engagement with them to strengthen national cohesion and development.

He praised the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for its continued contributions to peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.

Speaking on the theme of the meeting, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” the minister stressed that peace and unity are essential foundations for meaningful progress.

He noted that traditional rulers remain crucial stakeholders due to their closeness to grassroots communities and their ability to influence and mobilise citizens.

On security, Idris said the Federal Government had intensified coordination among security agencies, leading to notable progress in tackling criminal and terrorist activities, while acknowledging that challenges still persist.

He added that the government is also addressing root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, through various economic and social intervention programmes.

The minister highlighted ongoing initiatives in agriculture, infrastructure, education, solid minerals, credit schemes, and support for small businesses, as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

He also pointed to major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe corridor, describing them as key drivers of national integration and development.

Idris further emphasised the importance of traditional rulers in countering misinformation and promoting public awareness, noting their credibility at the community level.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would produce resolutions that would strengthen peace, unity, and development across the northern region and the country at large.

The minister also extended condolences to Katsina State over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing his passing as a national loss.

The meeting brought together traditional rulers, government officials, and other stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria.