President Tinubu has called for a greater collaboration between the Federal Government and northern traditional rulers to enhance security, peace, national cohesion and sustainable development across the country.
The president made the call while speaking at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) in Dutse, Jigawa State, on Monday.
This was stated in a release by Rabiu Ibrahim, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, who represented the president at the meeting, conveyed the message to the gathering of traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria.
Tinubu, Northern Traditional Rulers And Development
“The administration of President Bola 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.
He commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for its continued contributions to peace, unity, security, and development across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme of the meeting, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” the minister said peace remained the foundation of development and prosperity.
“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he stated.
Idris said traditional rulers remained critical partners in governance and peace-building because of their close relationship with communities and their ability to mobilise citizens around important national objectives.
“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.
On security, the minister noted that the Tinubu administration has continued to strengthen coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions.
These efforts, he said, has led to significant gains against criminal and terrorist groups across various 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.
“We must also address poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and the lack of economic opportunities that often fuel insecurity,” he added.
The minister highlighted several economic initiatives of the Federal Government aimed at creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and supporting long-term growth.
These, he said, included interventions 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 landmark decision that will modernise livestock production, improve productivity, support pastoral and farming communities, and reduce conflicts associated with 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,” the minister stated.
Idris listed the Federal Government’s four Legacy Highway Projects to include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway; Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway; Calabar-Abuja Super Highway; and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor.
He described the four projects as transformative investments that will strengthen national integration and unlock economic opportunities.
“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 added.
Idris further noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on creating opportunities for Nigerians through people-centred programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), and targeted support for micro, small and medium enterprises.
According to him, development programmes can only succeed when citizens understand them and actively participate in them, stressing the important role of traditional rulers in promoting public awareness and countering misinformation.
“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 confidence that the meeting would generate practical recommendations that would further strengthen peace, deepen unity, and accelerate development across Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.
He also extended condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution, and the family of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), describing his death as a tragic loss to the nation.
“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,” he said.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, government officials, and key stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria to discuss strategies for promoting peace, unity, and development in the region.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Jigawa State governor, Malam Umar A. Namadi; Speaker of Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu;
Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi; Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Abubakar Maje; Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli;
Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar; Aku Uka of Kwararafa and paramount ruler of the Jukun people, Dr. Manu Ishaku Adda Ali (Matakhitswen I), and other eminent traditional rulers and distinguished personalities from across the country.
