Tinubu Seeks Stronger Alliance with Northern Traditional Rulers to Tackle Insecurity, Drive Development

By Pan Afric Reporters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions across Northern Nigeria as part of broader efforts to enhance security, promote national unity, and accelerate socio-economic development.

The President made the pledge through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) held in Dutse, Jigawa State, where traditional rulers and key stakeholders gathered to deliberate on issues affecting the region under the theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North.”

According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, President Tinubu acknowledged the pivotal role of traditional rulers in fostering peace, security, and development across the country.

“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,” Idris said while delivering the President’s message.

The President commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, for its sustained efforts in promoting dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and national unity.

Speaking on the significance of the meeting’s theme, Idris stressed that peace and unity remain indispensable foundations for sustainable development.

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

The minister described traditional rulers as critical partners in governance due to their grassroots influence and moral authority, noting that they remain vital bridges between government and citizens.

“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 proximity to the grassroots and your moral authority make you indispensable partners in governance, peacebuilding, and community mobilisation,” he said.

Addressing security concerns, Idris highlighted ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen collaboration among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions, noting that the strategy has yielded significant gains against criminal and terrorist groups.

While acknowledging that security challenges persist, he emphasized that military operations alone cannot deliver lasting peace.

“We must also address poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and the lack of economic opportunities that often fuel insecurity,” he said.

The minister outlined several economic interventions under the Tinubu administration aimed at creating jobs and stimulating growth, including investments in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit, and support for small businesses.

He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark initiative capable of transforming the livestock sector, boosting food security, creating jobs, and reducing farmer-herder conflicts.

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

The minister also highlighted the administration’s flagship infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor.

According to him, the projects will improve connectivity, lower transportation costs, facilitate trade, and strengthen national integration.

“Beyond their economic value, they are investments in national unity,” he said.

Idris further noted that people-centred initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), and support programmes for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, are designed to expand opportunities and improve citizens’ welfare.

He urged traditional rulers to continue playing active roles in sensitising communities, combating misinformation, and promoting national cohesion.

“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 optimism that the deliberations of the council would generate practical recommendations for strengthening peace, unity, and development in Northern Nigeria.

He also used the occasion to convey condolences to the government and people of Katsina State over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing him as a distinguished patriot whose service to the nation would be remembered.

“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,” Idris stated.

The meeting attracted an array of dignitaries, including the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; and several other eminent traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria.

The gathering focused on strengthening partnerships among governments, traditional institutions, and communities to address security challenges and promote sustainable development across the region.