The governors of Nigeria’s six South-West states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti, have agreed to build a shared digital security intelligence platform. This new system will enable real-time exchange of threat alerts, incident reports, and traveller and cargo movements, helping the states coordinate rapid responses to emerging risks.
At a meeting of the South-West Governors’ Forum in Ibadan, the region’s leaders also resolved to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF), to be managed under the DAWN Commission. The fund will be overseen by each state’s Special Adviser on Security, with monthly meetings to assess needs and allocate resources.
The communiqué noted their worry over worsening forest insecurity. To counter this, they have urged the federal government to deploy Forest Guards across the region.
They also identified unregulated interstate migration as a growing threat, calling for enhanced border monitoring and cooperation with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to better profile and track migrants.
Illegal mining was another concern raised. The governors warned that mining operations that escape regulation pose both security and environmental risks. They are pushing for tighter licensing frameworks, stronger enforcement, and harsher penalties for violations.
The forum reiterated its long-standing demand for the creation of state police, describing the reform as urgent if the region is to fully tackle crime.
Economically, the governors praised recent federal efforts to boost food production in the region, saying that increased agricultural output has helped stabilize food prices.
By pooling resources into a regional security fund and digital intelligence infrastructure, the South-West states aim to reduce economic losses from crime. Improved security can boost investor confidence, lower risk premiums, and stabilize trade corridors, fostering economic growth across the region.
