The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has pledged to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordination with the Department of State Services (DSS) to tackle rising security threats, violent extremism, and inter-communal tensions across the country.
This resolution was reached during the Forum’s fifth meeting held in Abuja from Thursday night to early Friday, chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
In a communiqué read by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the NGF expressed concern over the recent wave of attacks in several parts of the country and the DSS alert on planned Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacks targeting Ondo and Kogi States.
“Governors expressed appreciation to the DSS for its proactive engagement and reiterated their commitment to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with federal security agencies to enhance peace and stability across the states,” the communiqué stated.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that DSS Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi had briefed the governors on emerging security trends and intelligence-led strategies for countering violent extremism, managing inter-communal conflicts, and mitigating risks linked to economic hardship and political transition.
The NGF also highlighted Kogi State’s strategic position, bordering ten states and the Federal Capital Territory, noting the need for heightened vigilance and coordination in that axis.
Beyond security, the Forum threw its weight behind the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB1349), describing it as a crucial step toward gender equity and inclusive governance. The Bill — scheduled for voting between November 4 and 6, 2025 — seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create special constituencies exclusively contested by women in both the National and State Assemblies.
“Governors were urged to engage their Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and State Assemblies to support the Bill’s passage and affirm Nigeria’s commitment to equity and inclusive governance,” Sanwo-Olu said.
In economic matters, the NGF endorsed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s stabilisation measures, following a presentation by Dr Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), representing the CBN Governor.
The briefing covered ongoing efforts to restore price stability, unify exchange rates, recapitalise banks, and curb inflation, aimed at rebuilding public confidence and strengthening macroeconomic stability.
“Governors commended the CBN’s coordinated approach with fiscal authorities and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to safeguard growth and state fiscal sustainability,” the communiqué added.
The meeting reaffirmed the governors’ resolve to support national security and economic recovery through stronger coordination between state governments, security agencies, and federal institutions.
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