By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for deeper collaboration between the Federal Government and traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria to strengthen security, promote unity, and accelerate development across the country.
According to a statement published by the Nigeria Ministry of Information and National Orientation, dated June 15, 2026, the President made the call on Monday during the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) held in Dutse, Jigawa State.
Representing the President at the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the administration recognises the important role traditional institutions play in maintaining peace and connecting government policies with local communities.
Idris said traditional rulers remain vital partners in governance because of their influence and close relationship with the people at the grassroots.
“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 stated.
The Minister, who spoke on the theme of the meeting, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” noted that sustainable progress cannot be achieved without stability and cooperation.
He explained that while the government continues to strengthen security operations through improved intelligence and coordination among security agencies, addressing the root causes of insecurity remains equally important.
According to him, poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and limited economic opportunities must be tackled to achieve lasting peace.
”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 noted.
Idris also highlighted Federal Government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, including initiatives in agriculture, livestock development, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit, and support for small businesses.
He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a major step towards improving livestock production, enhancing food security, and reducing conflicts linked to competition over resources.
The Minister also pointed to the government’s major highway projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other strategic road corridors, as investments designed to improve connectivity, boost trade, and strengthen national integration.
He urged traditional leaders to support public awareness efforts and help tackle misinformation, describing them as trusted voices in their communities.
”In an age characterised by the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, traditional rulers remain among the most trusted leaders in our society” he said.
The meeting brought together northern traditional rulers, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss ways of improving peace, unity, and economic growth in the region.
The Minister also expressed condolences to the people of Katsina State and the family of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing his passing as a loss to the nation.
