South-West Governors’ Forum Meets in Lagos to Address Regional Issues
Regional economic integration, food production, and regional security were the primary topics on the agenda at the South-West Governors’ Forum meeting held in Alausa, Lagos, on Monday. The meeting, held behind closed doors, resulted in significant resolutions and the election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the new chairman of the Forum.
Leadership Transition
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s election as chairman fills the vacancy left by the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN. The meeting was attended by Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), who all paid tribute to Akeredolu, who passed away last December.
Key Resolutions
The Forum’s discussions spanned several crucial issues:
- Security Cooperation: The governors reviewed the security situation, noting the relative peace in the South-West compared to other regions. They reiterated their call for the creation of State Police to bolster regional safety and agreed to enhance security cooperation to support economic development and free movement within the region. The Forum also emphasized the need for greater collaboration between security agencies and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps.
- Economic and Agricultural Development: The governors directed their States’ Commissioners for Agriculture to collaborate and develop a comprehensive agricultural template leveraging each state’s comparative advantages. This initiative aims to expand food production and boost agricultural development across the region.
- Infrastructure and Federal Collaboration: The Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the groundbreaking of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the proposed Lagos to Sokoto road. They urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate other federal infrastructures in the region.
- South-West Development Commission Bill: The governors expressed appreciation for the efforts of the House of Representatives and the South-West caucus in the National Assembly in passing the South-West Development Commission Bill. They called on the Senate to expedite the bill’s passage.
- Minimum Wage Dispute: The Forum supported the Federal Government, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and the Organized Private Sector’s efforts to resolve the ongoing minimum wage dispute. They emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the Labour Union and expressed hope that the outcome would reflect true fiscal federalism.
- Mineral Resources Exploration: The governors welcomed the Federal Government’s exploration policies on mineral resources but called for state collaboration in granting leases to investors.
Cultural and Operational Initiatives
The South-West Governors adopted “Ise wa fun ile wa,” a popular song by Afenifere, as a common anthem across the six states. They condemned the activities of groups agitating for a Yoruba nation, affirming the region’s commitment to remain an integral part of Nigeria.
Additionally, the Forum resolved to strengthen the operational efficiency of the DAWN Commission. Each state is to appoint a focal person to ensure the Commission focuses on economic integration, cooperation, and investment promotion.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by reading the 11-point resolution adopted in the communique signed by all six governors, emphasizing the need for collaboration and unity in addressing the region’s challenges and promoting its development.