By Ibrahim Adebowale
The thirty-six state governors, under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have resolved to deepen intelligence sharing and coordination with the Department of State Services (DSS) as part of renewed efforts to curb security threats, violent extremism, and inter-communal conflicts across the country.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s fifth meeting, which stretched from Thursday night into early Friday, and signed by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The governors expressed concern over recent gunmen attacks on lives and property in different parts of the country and emphasised the need for stronger synergy with federal security agencies to enhance peace and stability.
Recall that the DSS had earlier in the week issued an alert about a planned attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) targeting Ondo and Kogi States. Security agencies have since heightened surveillance and activated counter-terrorism measures in the affected areas, especially in Kogi State, which borders 10 other states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Reading the communiqué, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the Forum received a presentation from the DSS Director-General, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, on emerging security threats and intelligence-led strategies for subnational coordination.
“The briefing focused on countering violent extremism, managing inter-communal tensions, and addressing security risks linked to economic hardship and political transition,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Governors expressed appreciation to the DSS for its proactive engagement and reiterated their commitment to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with federal security agencies to enhance peace and stability across the states.”
The governors also deliberated on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349), scheduled for a vote between November 4 and 6, 2025. The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create special constituencies exclusively contested by women in the National and State Assemblies. The Forum described the bill as a vital step toward gender equity and inclusive governance, urging all governors to lobby their lawmakers in support of its passage.
In addition, the meeting featured a presentation by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, on the bank’s stabilisation measures aimed at restoring price stability and strengthening confidence in the economy.
The governors commended the CBN’s coordinated policy approach with fiscal authorities, particularly the tightening of monetary policy, unification of exchange rates, and bank recapitalisation efforts. They reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration with fiscal authorities to protect growth and ensure the fiscal sustainability of states.
The communiqué concluded with a collective pledge by the governors to support national stability through improved intelligence coordination, gender inclusion, and responsible economic management.
