South-West Governors Meet in Ibadan, Back Tinubu on Security and Economic Reforms

Governors of the six states in Nigeria’s South-West region convened in Ibadan on Monday, 24 November 2025, to assess pressing issues affecting the zone and to harmonise their positions on security, agriculture, and economic development.

The meeting, held at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, brought together the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States under the platform of the South West Governors’ Forum.

The session opened with a review of the growing security concerns confronting various parts of the country, particularly the recent attacks and kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States. Although these states fall outside the South-West, the governors stressed that insecurity anywhere poses a threat to stability everywhere, reinforcing the need for regional and national cooperation.

The governors commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as a determined push to curb insecurity and stabilise the national economy. They pointed to ongoing reforms, federal-level interventions and renewed military efforts nationwide as signs of improved coordination in the fight against violent crime.

The Forum also offered firm solidarity to the Federal Government in the wake of the recent violent incidents in the North-West and North-Central corridors. They described the attacks as alarming and emphasised that the security architecture of Nigeria must remain proactive, intelligence-driven and sufficiently funded to confront evolving threats.

Agriculture featured prominently in the discussions, with the governors reaffirming their commitment to strengthening food production through regional collaboration. They noted that insecurity, climate pressure and rising production costs have created serious obstacles for farmers across the country, and argued that coordinated South-West policies could help cushion the impact on food supply.

Economic development was another key point, as the Forum evaluated ongoing regional initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, creating jobs and boosting investment. The governors agreed that shared challenges, such as high logistics costs, sluggish industrial growth and limited energy supply, require joint planning rather than isolated state-level responses.

In addition, the governors underscored the importance of deepening regional integration through the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN). They highlighted the body’s role in aligning policies across the six states and driving long-term development strategies that can outlive political cycles.

The Forum emphasised that sustaining peace and development in the region would depend on enhanced coordination among security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities. They called for improved intelligence gathering, quicker emergency response strategies and stronger inter-state communication to prevent cross-border criminal activity.

The meeting concluded with a declaration that the South-West remains fully committed to supporting national stability while also pursuing its own development priorities. The governors pledged to continue working collectively to address challenges affecting the region and to ensure that the zone remains secure, economically competitive and socially cohesive.