DUTSE, June 15, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to promote peace, security, national unity and sustainable development across Nigeria.
The President’s message was delivered on Monday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) held in Dutse, Jigawa State.
Addressing traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria, Idris said the Tinubu administration recognises the strategic role of traditional institutions and remains committed to deepening engagement with them in advancing national development and cohesion.
“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,” the minister said.
He commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, for its continued contributions to peacebuilding, security and unity across the region.
Speaking on the meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” Idris stressed that peace and unity remain indispensable pillars for meaningful development.
“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he stated.
The minister described traditional rulers as critical partners in governance, noting that their influence, moral authority and close relationship with grassroots communities position them uniquely to support peacebuilding efforts and government initiatives.
According to him, traditional institutions have historically served as custodians of culture and values, mediators during conflicts and trusted links between governments and citizens.
On security, Idris said the Federal Government had intensified coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions, resulting in significant gains against criminal and terrorist elements in different parts of the country.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, he said the administration remains committed to sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.
He, however, noted that security operations alone cannot guarantee lasting peace, stressing the need to address poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and limited economic opportunities that often fuel insecurity.
The minister highlighted several government interventions designed to stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods, including programmes in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit and support for small businesses.
He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark initiative aimed at modernising livestock production, boosting productivity, supporting pastoral and farming communities and reducing resource-based conflicts.
“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.
Idris also spotlighted the Federal Government’s four Legacy Highway Projects — the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor — describing them as transformative infrastructure investments capable of strengthening national integration and expanding economic opportunities.
According to him, the projects will enhance connectivity, lower transportation costs, improve market access and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and other goods across the country.
The minister further stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda is creating opportunities for Nigerians through programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and targeted support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He emphasised the importance of public enlightenment in ensuring the success of government programmes, urging traditional rulers to continue supporting efforts to promote awareness and counter misinformation and disinformation.
“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,” he said.
Idris expressed optimism that deliberations at the meeting would produce practical recommendations to strengthen peace, foster unity and accelerate development across Northern Nigeria.
The minister also conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to the Government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution and the family of the late retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, describing his death as a tragic loss to the nation.
“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,” he said.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, government officials and key stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria to discuss strategies for promoting peace, unity and development in the region.
