By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions across the country, describing them as indispensable partners in promoting peace, security, national unity and sustainable development.
The President’s position was conveyed on Monday 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.
The Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr disclosed this on his X ccount.
Addressing traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria, Idris said the Tinubu administration fully recognises the strategic role of traditional institutions in governance and nation-building.
“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 said.
The minister commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council under the leadership of Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar for its sustained contributions to peace, unity, security and development in the region.
Speaking on the meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” Idris stressed that peace and unity remain essential ingredients for progress and prosperity.
According to him, traditional rulers continue to serve as custodians of culture and values, mediators in conflicts and trusted links between government and the people, making them critical stakeholders in governance, peacebuilding and community mobilisation.
On security, the minister 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 groups across different parts of the country.
While acknowledging that security challenges persist, Idris said the administration was sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to tackle insecurity.
He, however, noted that military action alone could not guarantee lasting peace, stressing the need to address underlying factors such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and limited economic opportunities.
The minister highlighted 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 Enterprises (MSMEs).
He described the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark initiative designed to modernise livestock production, improve productivity, enhance food security and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
According to him, the ministry has enormous potential for job creation, export earnings and economic growth.
Idris also showcased the Federal Government’s four flagship highway projects — the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor — which he said would boost connectivity, lower transportation costs, facilitate trade and strengthen national integration.
He further highlighted people-focused programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, noting that they are aimed at expanding opportunities and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
The minister urged traditional rulers to continue supporting government efforts by promoting public awareness, combating misinformation and encouraging responsible citizenship.
“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.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the meeting, Idris said the gathering would generate practical recommendations capable of deepening peace, strengthening unity and accelerating development across Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
The minister also extended condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution and the family of late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, government officials and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for advancing peace, unity and development across Northern Nigeria.
