President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s resolve to work closely with traditional institutions as a core strategy for stabilising Nigeria, strengthening national unity and driving sustainable development.
The President’s position was delivered by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held in Dutse, Jigawa State.
Addressing traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria, Idris made it clear that the Tinubu administration does not see traditional institutions as ceremonial relics, but as strategic partners in governance.
“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,” Idris said.
He commended the Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for what he described as its consistent contributions to peace, unity and development in the North.
Speaking on the meeting’s theme, Peace, Unity and Development of the North, Idris warned that progress collapses where peace and unity are absent.
“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he stated.
The minister stressed that traditional rulers remain indispensable to governance because of their direct connection to local communities.
“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,” Idris said.
On security, Idris pointed to what he described as measurable gains recorded by the Federal Government against criminal and terrorist groups, citing improved coordination among security agencies, stronger intelligence gathering and sustained military operations.
“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,” he noted.
According to him, poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and limited economic opportunities remain key drivers of insecurity and must be tackled head-on.
Idris outlined several economic interventions under the Tinubu administration, including programmes in agriculture, livestock development, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark move aimed at modernising livestock production, boosting productivity and reducing conflicts linked to competition over land and 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,” he said.
The minister also highlighted major Legacy Highway Projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road Corridor.
“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,” Idris stated.
He further noted that initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda—such as NELFUND, CREDICORP and expanded support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises—are designed to broaden opportunities and improve living conditions across the country.
Idris also charged traditional rulers to take the lead in countering misinformation and strengthening civic responsibility at the grassroots.
“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 minister expressed confidence that the meeting would yield actionable recommendations capable of reinforcing peace, unity and development across Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
He also conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, as well as the family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.
“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,” Idris said.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, senior government officials and key stakeholders to deliberate on practical strategies for advancing peace, unity and development in Northern Nigeria.