Traditional Rulers Are Indispensable Partners In Governance, Says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institution to advance peace, security, national cohesion and sustainable development across Nigeria.

The President’s position was conveyed yesterday by the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) held in Dutse, Jigawa State.

Tinubu described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in governance, given their influence at the grassroots and their role in mobilising citizens around national objectives.

Representing the President at the gathering, Idris said the Tinubu administration fully recognises the strategic role of traditional rulers in governance and remains committed to deepening engagement with them in addressing critical national challenges.

“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,” the minister said.

He commended the Council, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for its contributions to peacebuilding, security, unity and development in Northern Nigeria.

Addressing the meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” Tinubu stressed that sustainable development can thrive only in an atmosphere of peace and unity.

“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he stated.

According to him, traditional institutions have continued to serve as custodians of culture and values, mediators in times of conflict, and trusted links between government and local communities.

On the security situation in the country, Tinubu said the federal government had strengthened coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions, resulting in significant gains against criminal and terrorist elements in several parts of the country.

While acknowledging that security challenges persist, the President noted that the government remains committed to sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing collaboration among security agencies.

Tinubu, however, stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military action alone, noting that poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and lack of economic opportunities must also be addressed to tackle the root causes of insecurity.

Highlighting key economic initiatives of the administration, Idris pointed to interventions in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark policy initiative aimed at modernising livestock production, boosting productivity, supporting pastoral and farming communities, and reducing resource-based conflicts.

“The ministry represents a strategic intervention in a sector with enormous potential for job creation, food security, export earnings, and national economic growth,” he said.

The minister also spotlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing Legacy Highway Projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor.

He also extended condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution, and the family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing his passing as a significant loss to the nation.

“We mourn the loss of a distinguished patriot who served Nigeria with honour and dedication. His death is a painful reminder of the urgent need to sustain our collective efforts against insecurity,” he said.

The meeting brought together traditional rulers, government officials, and key stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria to deliberate on strategies for promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development in the region.