In a decisive move to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has established a sub-committee to collaborate directly with the nation’s heads of security agencies, endorsing a new technology-driven strategy presented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.
The resolution followed a late-night meeting of the Forum on Wednesday in Abuja, with a communiqué read by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State in the early hours of Thursday.
The communiqué was signed by NGF hairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
Uzodinma noted that the governors’ decision was as a result of their admiration for technology-driven solutions presented by the Chief of Defence Staff, who made a presentation at the meeting.
”The Forum received a presentation from the CDS on an innovative security initiative aimed at strengthening national and sub-national capacity for early threat detection and coordinated response.
”The project envisions the phased deployment of 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.
”Governors also commended the CDS and indeed the Nigerian military for these valuable propositions and initiatives,” he said.
Uzodinma added that the forum also received a presentation from the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, on unlocking the economic potential of land through a Federal-State partnership for land reform.
He said that the minister outlined ongoing housing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Programme and proposed a comprehensive land registration reform to formalise land ownership, enhance tenure security and boost internally generated revenue across states.
”The Forum also received a presentation on a proposed strategic partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited (PSGN), aimed at revitalising 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,’’ he said.
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 the presentation was also to request for land from all the state governors yet to offer the required land needed for the housing programme.
Also speaking, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the recent killings and attacks in some states should not be seen as an indictment on the governors because they have limited roles to play in addressing security challenges.
Sani said while he agreed with the National Security Council’s comment, he also believed that security agencies in Nigeria should also step up action and do what is right.
He said that while leaders must take responsibility, there was a need for all stakeholders to work together and address the problem of insecurity.
”In my opinion, it is not an indictment. I do 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 for me would go a long way in tackling insecurity, particularly at the sub-national level,’’ he stated.
