The Nigerian Governors’ Forum has urged the federal government to recruit more security personnel and use modern technology to fight the growing insecurity in the country.
According to Naija News, this decision came after the forum’s meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The statement from the meeting was read by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.
Governor Uzodimma said that the governors have formed a committee to work with security agencies. This group will create a joint plan to deal with the increasing violence, especially in states like Benue, Plateau, and Katsina, where attacks by suspected herders and gunmen have become more frequent.
Some of the recent attacks include the killing of at least 15 people in Benue’s Katsina-Ala area on March 9 and the tragic incident on April 14 in Zike hamlet, Plateau State, where about 52 people were killed, including an entire family of eight. Many homes were also destroyed.
Reacting to these attacks, all 36 governors urged security forces to act quickly and restore peace in the affected areas.
Governor Uzodimma also said the Forum received a presentation from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. He introduced a new security project that will help strengthen both national and state-level security. This project focuses on early warning systems and quick responses, using advanced technology to improve surveillance and public safety.
“The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management, and public safety.
“Governors expressed support for the initiative’s objectives and underscored the importance of technology-driven solutions in addressing evolving security challenges at the state level,” Uzodimma said.
Aside from security, the governors also listened to a proposal by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa. The plan aims to increase economic opportunities through federal-state partnerships in land reform. It seeks to make land ownership more secure, improve planning, and raise state revenue.
The Forum also looked into a potential partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited (PSGN) to improve electricity services. The plan involves PSGN taking over some power distribution companies and using smart grid systems to provide better electricity access and delivery.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani spoke about the importance of creating state police to help handle security at the local level. He said the current Constitution limits what governors can do to address insecurity.
“In my opinion, it’s not an indictment. I do agree that we have a limited role to play concerning the Constitution of Nigeria. Don’t forget that even tomorrow, by the grace of God, it’s one of the areas we are going to look at – the possibility of the creation of state policing in Nigeria, which for me would go a long way in addressing insecurity, particularly at the sub-national level,” Sani said.
He also stressed the need for leaders to take responsibility and explained how he helped reduce religious and communal violence in Kaduna. While calling for more security officers, he also suggested using peaceful (non-kinetic) methods to solve problems due to the shortage of military and police staff.
Governor Sani ended by stressing the importance of unity and cooperation among leaders.
“We don’t need to blame each other. We have to look at other areas of addressing the issue of insecurity. That is the reason why I believe we all have to work together,” he said.
