Jun 15, 2026

Tinubu Seeks Stronger Collaboration with Northern Traditional Rulers

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

👁️ loading views...

Dutse, Jigawa State – June 15, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration with Northern traditional rulers to advance peace, security, national cohesion, and sustainable development across Nigeria.

The call was made on Monday when the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented the President at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) held in Dutse, Jigawa State.

Speaking on the theme “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” Idris conveyed President Tinubu’s message of renewed commitment to working closely with traditional institutions.

“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 stated.

Traditional Rulers as Indispensable Partners

Idris commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for its consistent contributions to peace, unity, security, and development in the region.

He emphasised that traditional rulers remain critical partners in governance because of their proximity to the grassroots and their moral authority.

“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. “Your proximity to the grassroots and your moral authority make you indispensable partners in governance, peacebuilding, and community mobilisation.”

Addressing Root Causes of Insecurity

On security, the Minister noted that the Tinubu administration has strengthened coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions, resulting in notable gains against criminal and terrorist groups.

However, he stressed that lasting peace requires addressing underlying drivers of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and lack of economic opportunities.

The Minister highlighted key government interventions, including the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to modernise the sector, boost productivity, support pastoral communities, and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.

He also listed the administration’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 — as transformative investments that will improve connectivity, create jobs, and promote national integration.

Other initiatives mentioned include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Role in Countering Misinformation

Idris further urged traditional rulers to help promote government programmes and counter the spread of 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,” he said.

“Your continued support in promoting truth, dialogue, tolerance, and responsible citizenship is essential to our collective progress.”

Condolences

The Minister extended condolences to the Government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution, and the family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, whose death he described as a tragic loss.

“We mourn the loss of a distinguished patriot who served Nigeria with honour and dedication,” Idris said. “His death is a painful reminder of the urgent need to sustain our collective efforts against insecurity.”

The meeting, which brought together traditional rulers, government officials, and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria, is expected to produce practical recommendations to strengthen peace, unity, and development in the region.