President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions as part of efforts to promote peace, security, national unity and sustainable development across the country.
Tinubu conveyed the message on Monday at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, NTRC, held in Dutse, Jigawa State, where he was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, President Tinubu said his administration recognises the strategic role of traditional rulers and remains committed to deepening engagement with them in advancing peace, security, national cohesion and development.
While addressing traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria, the President commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, , for its sustained contributions to peacebuilding, unity, security and development in the region.
Speaking on the meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” he stressed that peace and unity remain indispensable ingredients for meaningful progress and prosperity.
“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he said.
Tinubu described traditional rulers as critical partners in governance and community mobilisation, noting that their influence and proximity to the grassroots make them indispensable in promoting peace and resolving conflicts.
He said traditional institutions have historically served as custodians of culture and values, mediators during disputes and trusted links between government and citizens.
On security, the President highlighted ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen coordination among the armed forces, intelligence services and other security agencies, resulting in notable gains against criminal and terrorist elements in various parts of the country.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, he said the his administration is sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering and enhancing inter-agency cooperation to address threats to national stability.
He, however, emphasised that lasting peace requires more than security operations, pointing to the need to tackle poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and limited economic opportunities that often contribute to insecurity.
He also outlined several economic interventions being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including programmes in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit and support for micro, small and medium-scale enterprises.
He described the creation of the as a landmark initiative aimed at modernising livestock production, improving productivity, supporting farming and pastoral communities, and reducing resource-related conflicts.
Tinubu also highlighted the administration’s four Legacy Highway Projects, including the , the , the and the , describing them as transformative investments that will boost connectivity, reduce transportation costs and stimulate economic growth.
According to him, the projects will not only facilitate trade and movement of goods but also strengthen national integration and unity.
He further underscored the importance of people-centred initiatives such as the and the , noting that they are designed to expand opportunities for Nigerians and improve livelihoods.
He urged traditional rulers to continue supporting government efforts by promoting public awareness and countering misinformation and disinformation, describing them as some of the most trusted voices in society.
The President expressed optimism that the council meeting would generate practical recommendations capable of strengthening peace, fostering unity and accelerating development across Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.
He also extended condolences to the government and people of over the death of retired Major General , describing his passing as a significant loss to the nation and a reminder of the need to sustain collective efforts against insecurity.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, government officials and other key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for promoting peace, unity and development across Northern Nigeria.
