Government seeks stronger collaboration with traditional leaders to address insecurity

President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepen collaboration with traditional institutions to foster peace, security, unity and sustainable development nationwide.

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris conveyed this stance at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Dutse, Jigawa State. The statement was released by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim.

The President highlighted the pivotal role of traditional rulers in governance, peacebuilding and community mobilisation, calling them essential partners for national development.

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

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

Speaking on the meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” Idris noted that peace and unity are indispensable 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 stated.

The minister emphasized that traditional rulers remain key stakeholders because of their close ties to communities and their capacity to mobilise citizens around national objectives.

Regarding security, Idris said the Federal Government has continued to strengthen coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions, yielding gains against criminal and terrorist groups in various parts of the country.

“While challenges remain, the administration is sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing inter‑agency collaboration,” he said.

He added that the government is also tackling poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and limited economic opportunities—factors that contribute to insecurity.

The minister highlighted ongoing initiatives in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit and support for small businesses.

He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a strategic move to modernise livestock production, boost productivity and reduce conflicts over natural resources.

Idris cited major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto‑Badagry Super Highway, Calabar‑Abuja Super Highway and the Akwanga‑Jos‑Bauchi‑Gombe Road Corridor, noting their role in stimulating economic growth and national integration.

The minister also stressed the importance of traditional rulers in raising public awareness and countering misinformation, arguing that development programmes are more effective when citizens understand and participate in them.

“In an age characterised by the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, traditional rulers remain among the most trusted leaders in our society,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the meeting would yield recommendations to strengthen peace, unity and development across Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.

Idris extended condolences to the government and people of Katsina State over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing his passing as a loss to the nation.

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