In a decisive move to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the military have resolved to tackle the problem with the aid of technology.
To this end, both parties have established a subcommittee to collaborate directly with heads of security agencies, even as they have endorsed a new technology-driven strategy presented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.
The resolution followed a late-night meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, with a communiqué read by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State in the early hours of Thursday.
The communiqué was signed by NGF chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
Uzodimma noted that the governors’ decision was based on their admiration for the technology-driven solutions the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) presented at the meeting.
“The Forum received a presentation from the CDS on an innovative security initiative to strengthen national and sub-national capacity for early threat detection and coordinated response.
“The project envisions deploying 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,” he said.
Uzodimma added that the forum also received a presentation from the Minister of housing and urban development, Ahmed Dangiwa, on unlocking the economic potential of land through a Federal-State partnership on land reform.
He said the minister outlined ongoing housing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Programme, which proposes a comprehensive land registration reform to formalise land ownership, enhance tenure security and boost internally generated revenue across states.
He went on: “The Forum also received a presentation on a proposed strategic partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited (PSGN) to revitalise the electricity distribution sector through private sector investment.
“Under the proposed agreement, PSGN will assume operational control of select distribution companies (DisCos), introduce advanced smart grid technologies and establish a meter production facility to enhance service delivery and energy across states.
Dangiwa, who spoke earlier in an interview with newsmen, said the presentation was to update the governors on the current administration’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
The minister said that the presentation was also to request land from all the state governors who have yet to offer the land needed for the housing programme.
On his part, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said the recent killings and attacks in some states should not be seen as an indictment of the governors because they have limited roles to play in addressing security challenges.
Sani said that while he agreed with the National Security Council’s comment, he also believed that security agencies in Nigeria should take more action and do what is right.
He said that while leaders must take responsibility, all stakeholders must work together to address the problem of insecurity.
“In my opinion, it is not an indictment. I agree that we have a limited role to play concerning the constitution of Nigeria.
“By the grace of God, it is one of the areas we are going to look at – the possibility of the creation of state police in Nigeria, which would go a long way in tackling insecurity, particularly at the sub-national level,” he said.
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