South-East Security Key to Nigeria’s Unity, Economic Growth — Information Minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has declared that lasting peace and security in the South-East are essential to Nigeria’s unity, economic prosperity and overall national development.

Speaking on Thursday at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit in Umuahia, Idris said the stability of the South-East directly impacts the strength of the nation, stressing that peace across all regions is vital for democracy and sustainable development.

“When the South-East is secure, Nigeria is stronger. When every region enjoys peace, our democracy flourishes. And when we stand together as one people, united by a common destiny, no force can diminish the promise of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the minister said.

Addressing the summit themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” Idris advocated a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity, calling for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and citizens.

He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to safeguarding lives and property through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, better-equipped security agencies and stronger international partnerships.

According to the minister, the Federal Government is also investing in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, digital skills and support for small businesses as part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of insecurity and promote economic development.

Idris further urged Nigerians to reject misinformation and support ongoing constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening grassroots policing through the proposed establishment of state police.

Also speaking at the summit, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, assured participants of the National Assembly’s commitment to providing legislative backing for initiatives that would strengthen the country’s security architecture.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, called for stronger regional cooperation and institutional reforms, insisting that security requires community trust, collaboration and collective responsibility rather than force alone.

Governor Alex Otti described security as the foundation of development, urging stakeholders to create more economic opportunities for young people, improve intelligence sharing and address the underlying causes of crime across the region.

Minister of Defence Christopher Musa said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the Armed Forces and other security agencies through enhanced training, modern equipment, improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration among security institutions.

The summit brought together governors’ representatives from the five South-East states, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on practical strategies for improving security and promoting lasting regional stability.