A Critical Regional Gathering
This is not just another routine governors’ meeting. The planned summit comes amid heightened concern over banditry, increasing food costs and the broader push by Southwest leaders for true federalism. While the full agenda hasn’t been officially published, analysts believe that today’s talks could shape the region’s trajectory on both security and socio-economic fronts.
Security: A Top Priority
Security has long been a thorn in the side of the Southwest states. In previous meetings, the governors had committed to establishing a joint surveillance team aimed at coordinating intelligence, responding to criminal threats, and tackling the risk of ISWAP (Islamic State’s West Africa Province) infiltration.
Earlier this year, at a forum held in Lagos, the governors agreed to form a special security outfit. The move is being framed as a direct response to the region’s growing vulnerability to banditry and other organized crime.
Moreover, pressure is coming from traditional and socio-cultural bodies. The pan-Yoruba organization Afenifere has publicly urged the governors to take “serious action” against the reported influx of bandits into the region. As an example, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had revealed that some brigands had reportedly taken advantage of increasing military pressure in the northwest to relocate into Yorubaland.
In past closed-door meetings, the Southwest governors have also involved security chiefs, first-class traditional rulers, and police leadership to strategize on forest management, border security, and local patrol operations. With these consultations, today’s gathering in Ibadan could be another milestone in consolidating a regional security architecture.
Food Inflation: Collective Response
In addition to security, food inflation is high on the agenda. Earlier in the year, the governors pledged to create a State Food Inflation Joint Monitoring Team to track and respond to price surges, especially those driven by middlemen in the food supply chain. They also committed to establishing inter-state aggregation centers and food hubs, which would serve as regional logistical nodes to help stabilize supply and reduce cost pressures.
This coordinated strategy for food security is not just about economics — it's also seen as a way to reinforce regional resilience and reduce vulnerabilities that may be exploited by criminal networks.
Southwest Development Commission & Ibadan’s Role
One of the most significant earlier resolutions by the governors was the siting of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) headquarters in Cocoa House, Ibadan. This facility is envisaged as a central hub for regional development, channeling joint investments into agriculture, infrastructure, and other critical sectors.
By holding today’s meeting in Ibadan, the governors reaffirm not just the city’s symbolic importance but also its operational significance in the SWDC framework. This could be a strong signal that deeper institutional integration is under way.
Power Devolution & Federalism: The Big Picture
Beyond immediate security and economic issues, the summit is expected to feed into a broader political-economic narrative: the push for power devolution and a more decentralized federal structure. Earlier in October 2025, the Southwest held a “Leaders’ Dialogue” in Akure, where governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and regional stakeholders pressed for true federalism and more autonomy for states.
At that meeting, Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa argued that continued centralization is inconsistent with the principles of federalism. Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu echoed the sentiment, calling for a united regional agenda to drive inclusive growth.
If today’s meeting yields concrete plans on regional power-sharing, it could mark a turning point in how the Southwest positions itself within Nigeria’s federal architecture.
Why This Matters — And Should Trend
1. Strategic Security Alliance: A joint surveillance force could significantly boost the zone’s ability to counter transnational criminal threats.
2. Economic Levers: Food hubs and monitoring teams suggest a serious move toward self-reliance and food stability — critical for both political and social stability.
3. Institutional Strengthening: With the SWDC solidifying its base in Ibadan, inter-state cooperation could become more formal and powerful.
4. Political Shift: A renewed call for decentralization aligns with growing regional demands for stronger state governments, hinting at possible reforms in Nigeria's power structure.
Risks & Watch-Outs
Implementation Gap: Past communiqués have sometimes failed to translate into action.
Resource Constraints: Launching and sustaining regional security and food operations will need money and political will.
Federal Pushback: Calls for devolution may draw resistance from the center if they challenge federal supremacy.
Coordination: Getting governance structures across six states to function seamlessly is always a complex task.
Looking Ahead
By the end of today’s meeting, all eyes will be on Ibadan to see whether the Southwest governors deliver bold, actionable commitments — and not just resolutions on paper. Whether this meeting becomes a turning point for regional security, food resilience, and political autonomy depends on what follows today, and in the weeks after.
0 Comments