President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to promote peace, security, national unity and sustainable development across Nigeria.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) held in Dutse, Jigawa State.
Addressing traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria, Idris said the Tinubu administration recognises the strategic importance of traditional institutions in governance and nation-building.
“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 stated.
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The Information Minister commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for its contributions to peace, unity and development in the region.
Speaking on the meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North”, Idris emphasised that peace and unity remain essential foundations for progress.
“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” Idris said.
According to the minister, traditional rulers continue to play a vital role in governance, conflict resolution and community mobilisation because of their close connection to the grassroots.
“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,” Idris noted.
On security, Idris highlighted ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve coordination among security agencies, noting that recent gains have been recorded against criminal and terrorist groups in several 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.”
He stressed the need to address poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and limited economic opportunities, which often contribute to insecurity.
The minister also outlined several government initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating jobs, including interventions in agriculture, livestock development, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
He described the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark initiative designed to modernise livestock production, improve productivity and reduce conflicts associated with competition over 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.”
Idris further highlighted 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.
“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.”
The minister noted that programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including NELFUND, CREDICORP and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, are designed to create opportunities and improve the lives of Nigerians.
He also emphasised the role of traditional rulers in combating misinformation and promoting civic responsibility.
“In an age characterised by the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, traditional rulers remain among the most trusted leaders in our society,” Idris said.
He expressed confidence that the meeting would produce recommendations capable of strengthening peace, unity and development across Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.
The minister also conveyed condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, as well as the family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.
“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 meeting brought together traditional rulers, government officials and key stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing peace, unity and development across Northern Nigeria.
