President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and traditional institutions in Northern Nigeria as part of efforts to address insecurity and accelerate development across the country.
President Appeals at NTRC Meeting
The President made the appeal on Monday at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) in Dutse, Jigawa State, where he was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Addressing a gathering of traditional rulers, government officials and stakeholders from across the region, Idris said the Tinubu administration recognised the critical role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace, fostering unity and supporting development initiatives.
He said the government remained committed to deepening engagement with traditional rulers to advance security, national cohesion and sustainable growth.
“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.
Commendation for Traditional Rulers
Idris commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for its continued efforts in promoting peace, unity and stability across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme of the meeting, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” the minister stressed that peace remained the foundation upon which meaningful development could be achieved.
“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he said.
According to him, traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in governance because of their close ties to local communities and their ability to mobilise citizens around important national objectives.
He noted that over the years, traditional institutions had served as custodians of culture and values, mediators during conflicts and trusted links between government and the people.
Security and Development Initiatives
On the security situation in the country, Idris said the Federal Government had continued to strengthen coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions, resulting in significant gains against criminal and terrorist groups in several parts of the country.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, he said the administration was sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering and enhancing collaboration among security agencies.
He added that lasting peace could not be achieved through military action alone, stressing the need to tackle poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and limited economic opportunities, which often contribute to insecurity.
The minister highlighted several interventions being implemented by the Federal Government to create jobs and improve livelihoods, including programmes in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit and support for small businesses.
He described the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a strategic step towards modernising livestock production, improving productivity and reducing conflicts linked to competition for natural resources.
“The ministry represents a strategic intervention in a sector with enormous potential for job creation, food security, export earnings, and national economic growth,” he said.
Infrastructure and Economic Plans
Idris also outlined the Federal Government’s Legacy Highway 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, reduce transportation costs, expand access to markets and create employment opportunities while strengthening national integration.
He further said the Renewed Hope Agenda was focused on expanding opportunities for Nigerians through initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and targeted support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Call for Public Awareness Support
The minister urged traditional rulers to continue supporting government efforts by promoting public awareness and helping to counter misinformation and disinformation.
“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.
Idris expressed confidence that the meeting would produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening peace, deepening unity and accelerating development across Northern Nigeria.
He also conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution and the family of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers and key stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria to deliberate on strategies for promoting peace, unity and development in the region.
