South-West Govs mulls creation of joint security outfit, sites SWDC HQs in Ibadan

Governors from the South-West region have agreed to establish a special security outfit to combat banditry and other criminal activities. They also plan to set up joint food hubs to address the rising cost of food in the region.

This decision was announced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who read an 11-point communiqué at the end of the South-West Governors Forum meeting held at Lagos House, Ikeja.

The meeting, which started at 12:15 p.m., was attended by Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun). Discussions focused on security, agriculture, food security, economic collaboration, and the South-West Development Commission.

Speaking on security concerns, Sanwo-Olu said:

> “The Forum commends the South-West governors for maintaining relative peace and security in the region, particularly during the recent festive period.

> Acknowledging the threat posed by ISWAP activities in parts of the South-West, the Forum strongly condemns any threat to the region’s security. It encourages enhanced collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits, urging them to remain vigilant. It also commits to taking necessary actions to counter these threats.”

To strengthen security, the governors agreed to form a Joint Surveillance Monitoring Team to oversee security operations across the region. Special Advisers on Security from each state will work together on intelligence gathering and information sharing between local and federal security agencies.

South-West Development Commission Headquarters Set for Ibadan

On the establishment of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), the governors commended the Federal Government and the Senate for approving the commission and agreed to locate its headquarters at Cocoa House in Ibadan, Oyo State. They also praised Odu’a Investment Company Ltd. for effectively managing regional assets over the past five years.

Measures to Tackle Food Inflation

Addressing food security, the governors noted that middlemen were artificially inflating food prices. To curb this, they agreed to establish a State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team and set up Aggregation Centres/Food Hubs to improve interstate collaboration and reduce food costs.

The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission was also commended for its achievements over the past year.

The Forum urged the commission to continue working with South-West Agriculture Commissioners on industrialization and infrastructural development.