Tinubu Seeks Stronger Partnership With Northern Traditional Rulers on Security, Development
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to promote peace, security, national unity, and sustainable development across Nigeria.
The President’s position was conveyed on Monday by 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.
Addressing traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria, Idris said the Tinubu administration recognises the strategic importance of traditional institutions and remains dedicated to deepening engagement with them in addressing national challenges.
“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,” he said.
The minister commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, for its contributions to peace, unity, security, and development in the region.
Speaking on the theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” Idris stressed that peace and unity remain essential foundations for sustainable development and prosperity.
He described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in governance and peacebuilding due to their close ties with local communities and their influence in mobilising citizens for national development.
On security, the minister said the Federal Government has strengthened coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions, resulting in notable gains against criminal and terrorist groups across the country.
He, however, noted that military operations alone cannot guarantee lasting peace, emphasizing the need to tackle poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and limited economic opportunities that often fuel insecurity.
Idris highlighted several initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at boosting economic growth and improving livelihoods, including interventions in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises.
He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark step towards modernising the livestock sector, enhancing productivity, reducing resource-based conflicts, and creating jobs.
The minister also spotlighted the Federal Government’s four Legacy Highway Projects—the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway, and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor—saying they would enhance connectivity, lower transportation costs, expand market access, and strengthen national integration.
He further urged traditional rulers to continue supporting government efforts by promoting public awareness, dialogue, tolerance, and responsible citizenship, particularly in combating misinformation and disinformation.
Idris expressed confidence that the meeting would generate practical recommendations to further strengthen peace, unity, and development across Northern Nigeria.
He also extended 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 passing underscores the need for sustained efforts against insecurity.
The meeting was attended by several prominent figures, including Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Umar Namadi, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Sultan of Sokoto, and other eminent traditional rulers and stakeholders from across the country.
