In a bid to address worsening insecurity, Nigeria’s 36 state governors have set up a committee to partner with security chiefs on immediate, technology-based solutions.
The decision was made during a late-night meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja that stretched into the early hours of Thursday, April 24.
Rising from the meeting, the governors voiced alarm over rising incidents of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and destruction across the country.
Senator Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, said, “The forum has set up a subcommittee to work with the heads of security agencies for a collaborative approach for an immediate solution.”
He praised the Chief of Defence Staff’s proposal, describing it as a vital step towards a technology-driven response to insecurity.
The governors resolved to work with key security figures, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, service chiefs, police, and intelligence heads, along with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
General Musa’s proposal, which they endorsed, includes the phased deployment of surveillance technology, crisis management systems, and improved response capabilities.
A communiqué read by Uzodimma stated, “The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management, and public safety.”
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The meeting came amid recent deadly attacks: in Benue State, 56 people were killed in Logo and Gbagir; in Plateau’s Bassa LGA, 51 people were killed in Zike village; and an IED killed eight on the Damboa–Maiduguri road in Borno.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, speaking after the meeting, called for a constitutional review to enable the creation of state police.
“I do agree that we have a limited role to play concerning the constitution,” he said. “We must address the problem… we sit together.”
Also present was Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who briefed the forum on the National Land Registration and Titling Programme and requested land allocations for the Renewal of Cities and Estates initiative.
Dangiwa urged state governments to clarify land ownership issues and support the establishment of a National Land Commission.
The governors also received a proposal from Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited to revitalise power distribution.
“The Forum received a presentation on a strategic partnership aimed at revitalising the electricity distribution sector through private sector investment,” Uzodimma said.
The plan includes smart grid deployment, meter production, and assumed control of some Discos, with the promise of improved energy supply and job creation.
Governors from at least 15 states, including Kwara, Edo, Zamfara, Oyo, and Borno, were in attendance.