Tinubu pushes for stronger ties with northern traditional leaders to enhance security and development

President Bola Tinubu has restated the federal government’s promise to work closely with traditional institutions. This is part of efforts to improve peace, security, national unity, and development across Nigeria.

At the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) on Monday in Dutse, Jigawa State, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented President Tinubu. He shared the President’s message with traditional rulers and stakeholders from Northern Nigeria.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fully recognises the strategic role of traditional institutions and remains committed to deepening engagement with traditional rulers in advancing peace, security, national cohesion, and development,” the minister said.

Mr Idris praised the traditional rulers’ council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, for its role in fostering peace, unity, security, and development.

While discussing the meeting's theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” the Minister noted that peace is the bedrock of development and prosperity.

“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he said.

The minister pointed out that traditional rulers are key partners in governance and peacebuilding. They have strong ties with communities and can rally citizens around important national goals.

“Across generations, our traditional rulers have served as custodians of culture and values, mediators in times of conflict, and trusted bridges between government and the people. Your closeness to the grassroots and your moral authority make you essential partners in governance, peacebuilding, and community mobilisation,” he said.

On security, Mr Idris mentioned that the Tinubu Administration is working to improve coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security bodies. This has led to notable progress against criminals and terrorist groups in different parts of the country.

“While challenges remain, the administration is sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration. At the same time, we recognise that lasting peace cannot be achieved through security operations alone. We must also address poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and the lack of economic opportunities that often fuel insecurity,” he said.

Mr Idris also highlighted several economic plans from the Federal Government aimed at creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and supporting long-term growth. These include efforts in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit, and backing for small businesses.

He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a significant move that will modernise livestock production, boost productivity, support pastoral and farming communities, and ease conflicts linked to competition for resources.

“The ministry represents a strategic intervention in a sector with enormous potential for job creation, food security, export earnings, and national economic growth,” the minister stated.

Mr Idris also spoke about the federal government’s four Legacy Highway Projects, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor. He called them transformative investments that will strengthen national integration and create economic opportunities.

“These highways will improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, expand access to markets, create jobs, and support the movement of agricultural produce and other goods. Beyond their economic value, they are investments in national unity,” he said.

The Minister added that the Renewed Hope Agenda aims to create opportunities for Nigerians through people-centred programmes like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), and targeted support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

According to him, development programmes can only succeed when citizens understand them and take part in them. He stressed the important role of traditional rulers in raising public awareness and fighting misinformation.

“In an age characterised by the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, traditional rulers remain among the most trusted leaders in our society. Your continued support in promoting truth, dialogue, tolerance, and responsible citizenship is essential to our collective progress,” he said.

The minister expressed hope that the meeting would lead to practical recommendations that would strengthen peace, enhance unity, and speed up development in Northern Nigeria and the country overall.

He also sent condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution, and the family of the late retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar. He described his passing as a tragic loss for the nation.

“We mourn the loss of a distinguished patriot who served Nigeria with honour and dedication. His death is a painful reminder of the urgent need to sustain our collective efforts against insecurity,” the Minister said.

The meeting gathered traditional rulers, government officials, and key stakeholders from Northern Nigeria to discuss how to promote peace, unity, and development in the region.