COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE SOUTH WEST GOVERNORS' FORUM MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 24TH NOVEMBER 2025, AT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, SECRETARIAT, IBADAN, OYO STATE
The South West Governors' Forum, comprising the Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States, held its meeting on Monday, 24th November 2025, at the Governor's Office Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State. After extensive deliberations on various issues, including agriculture, economic and regional development and security challenges affecting the South West region, the Forum resolved as follows:
The Forum commends Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda.
The Forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings, at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary's in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger and the CAC Church at Eruku, Kwara State. The forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government towards the rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students of the Catholic School, Niger State. The forum reviewed the current state of security of our region and took some decisions to ensure the security of the lives and property of our people.
1.
South West Regional Security Fund: The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under DAWN Commission to be administered by Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States and to meet monthly.
2.
Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform: The forum resolves to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveler and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to- state rapid response.
3.
Forest Surveillance: the Forum commends the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Hunters, Amotekun Corps Members and all the other security agencies. The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the South West States and called for the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements. To this end, the Forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the South west states, with each State Government responsible for providing the required personnel. The Governors reaffirm their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests, and ensuring that these spaces no longer serve as safe-corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activities.
4. Interstate Migration: the forum expresses deep concern on the unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose significant challenges across the Southwest. The forum calls for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self- identification and each South west States to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identification. The forum agrees to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity.
5.
Illegal Mining Activities: The forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security. The forum calls for comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining.
6.
State Police: The Forum reaffirms its support for the establishment of State Police, emphasizing that 'The Time is Now' and It can no longer be delayed.
7.
Agriculture, Food Security & Climate Resilience: The Forum acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government in providing food sufficiency and in particular commends the various farmers in the region for the increase in agricultural output and subsequent stability and reduction in food prices.
8.
South West Development Commission (SWDC): The Forum thanks Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the establishment of the commission and charges the Commission to effectively deliver on its mandate.
9.
DAWN Commission: The Forum commends the DAWN Commission and its activities on regional integration and security.
10.
Finally, the forum enjoins all the south west people to remain united and committed to the peace that exists in our dear region. We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for.
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