Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to promote peace, security, national cohesion and sustainable development across the country.
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Monday at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) in Dutse, Jigawa State.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister said the Tinubu administration recognised the strategic role of traditional rulers and remained committed to deepening engagement with them in advancing peace, security and development.
Idris commended the NTRC, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, for its contributions to peace, unity and development across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking on the meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” the minister described peace as the bedrock 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 said.
He noted that traditional rulers remain critical partners in governance and peacebuilding because of their close relationship with local communities and their ability to mobilise citizens around 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, Idris said the Federal Government had strengthened coordination among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions, leading to 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, enhancing intelligence gathering and improving inter-agency collaboration.
He stressed, however, that lasting peace could not be achieved through military action alone.
“We must also address poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and the lack of economic opportunities that often fuel insecurity,” he said.
The minister highlighted key government initiatives aimed at creating jobs, improving livelihoods and stimulating economic growth, including 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 policy designed to modernise livestock production, boost productivity, support pastoral and farming communities, and reduce resource-based conflicts.
According to him, the ministry represents a strategic investment in a sector with enormous potential for job creation, food security, export earnings and economic growth.
Idris also highlighted the Federal Government’s four Legacy Highway Projects: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor.
He said the projects would strengthen national integration, improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, expand market access and create jobs.
“Beyond their economic value, they are investments in national unity,” he said.
The minister further noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda was expanding opportunities for Nigerians through programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and targeted support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He emphasised the role of traditional rulers in promoting public awareness and combating misinformation, noting that development programmes could only succeed when citizens understood and participated in them.
“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 to strengthen peace, deepen unity and accelerate development across Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
He also conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution and the family of the late retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar.
Describing the deceased as a distinguished patriot, Idris said his death was a painful 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 was attended by traditional rulers, government officials and key stakeholders, including Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Also present were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi; the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje; the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, among others.