Tinubu seeks stronger collaboration with traditional institutions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions as part of efforts to advance peace, security, national cohesion, and sustainable development across Nigeria.

Tinubu spoke at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) in Dutse, Jigawa State.

Represented art the meeting on Monday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the President spoke in unmistakable terms to the gathering of traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria.

Idris said: “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 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 remains the foundation of development and prosperity.

He said: “Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. 

“The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility.”

The Minister said traditional rulers remain critical partners in governance and peacebuilding because of their close relationship with communities and their ability to mobilise citizens around important national objectives.

Idris said: “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.”

On security, Idris noted that the Tinubu Administration has continued to strengthen coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions, leading to significant gains against criminal and terrorist groups across various parts of the country.

He said: “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.”

The Minister highlighted several economic initiatives of the Federal Government aimed at creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and supporting long-term growth. 

These include 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 also highlighted the Federal Government’s four Legacy Highway Projects: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway, and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor, describing them 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,” he said.

The Minister 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), 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.

Idris added: “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.”