Insecurity: FG seeks stronger collaboration with traditional rulers

Tinubu Administration Reaffirms Commitment to Traditional Institutions

DUTSE, Jigawa State — President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to enhancing collaboration with traditional institutions to foster peace, security, unity, and sustainable development across Nigeria.

Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, conveyed this message during the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council. The gathering took place in Dutse, with a statement released by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim.

In his address, President Tinubu recognized the pivotal role traditional rulers play in governance, peacebuilding, and community mobilization, labeling them essential partners in national development efforts.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fully recognizes the strategic role of traditional institutions and remains committed to deepening engagement with traditional rulers in advancing peace, security, national cohesion, and development,” Idris stated.

Idris praised the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for its contributions to peace and development throughout Northern Nigeria.

The minister addressed the meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity, and Development of the North,” asserting that peace and unity are vital for progress and prosperity. “Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he remarked.

Idris emphasized the importance of traditional rulers as key stakeholders due to their close ties with communities and their ability to rally citizens around national objectives.

On security matters, the minister reported that the Federal Government continues to enhance coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions, yielding results against criminal and terrorist groups nationwide. “While challenges remain, the administration is sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration,” he noted.

He highlighted government efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and limited economic opportunities, which contribute to insecurity.

Ongoing initiatives in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit, and support for small businesses were also outlined.

Idris mentioned the formation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a strategic step aimed at modernizing livestock production, boosting productivity, and reducing conflicts associated with competition for natural resources.

He listed major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, designed to stimulate economic growth and enhance national integration.

Additionally, the minister underscored the importance of traditional rulers in promoting public awareness and countering misinformation, stating that development programs are most effective when the public understands and engages with them. “In an age characterized by the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, traditional rulers remain among the most trusted leaders in our society,” he commented.

Idris expressed confidence that the meeting would yield recommendations to strengthen peace, unity, and development across Northern Nigeria and beyond.

He also conveyed condolences to the government and people of Katsina State on the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, calling his passing a loss to the nation.

The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, government officials, and various stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria.

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