In a bid to tackle Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has constituted a sub-committee to work closely with heads of security agencies on immediate, technology-driven solutions.
This was disclosed by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State in the early hours of Thursday, following the NGF’s second meeting of 2025, held late Wednesday night in Abuja. The communique from the meeting was signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
Governor Uzodinma stated that the decision was inspired by a presentation made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who introduced an innovative security initiative aimed at boosting early threat detection and coordinated response at both national and state levels.
“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,” Uzodinma said.
He explained that the proposed strategy would deploy advanced technologies and infrastructure in phases to enhance surveillance, crisis management, and public safety across states. The governors unanimously endorsed the initiative, emphasizing the need for smart, tech-based solutions to meet today’s complex security threats.
In addition to the security discourse, the Forum also received a briefing from the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, on leveraging land for economic development. Dangiwa highlighted the Renewed Hope housing programme and called on governors yet to allocate land to do so promptly.
The Minister proposed a federal-state partnership for land reform aimed at formalising land ownership, improving tenure security, and boosting states’ internally generated revenue through efficient land registration systems.
Also on the agenda was a proposal from Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited (PSGN), which seeks to revamp Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector. Under the strategic partnership, PSGN would take operational control of selected DisCos, introduce smart grid technologies, and establish a meter production facility to improve energy access and efficiency nationwide.
Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, while commenting on the recent wave of insecurity in parts of the country, defended state governors against criticism. He maintained that while governors must show leadership, their constitutional powers over security remain limited.
“In my opinion, it is not an indictment,” Sani said. “We have a limited role to play concerning the constitution of Nigeria. However, I support ongoing discussions around the creation of state police, which would go a long way in tackling insecurity at the sub-national level.”
The NGF reiterated its commitment to collaborative governance and innovative partnerships to address Nigeria’s pressing developmental and security challenges.
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