The Southwest Governors’ Forum has announced plans to establish a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team aimed at improving security coordination across the region. This decision comes in response to growing concerns over the activities of terrorist groups such as the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal organizations that pose significant threats to the peace and stability of the Southwest.

In addition to security concerns, the forum addressed the rising cost of food, attributing much of the problem to exploitative middlemen within the supply chain. The governors condemned these practices and agreed to create an Inter-State Monitoring Team to regulate food prices and prevent unjustified increases. Furthermore, each state will establish a Food Logistics Hub as part of broader measures to enhance food security and ensure better market regulation.

Lagos State Governor and chairman of the forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, disclosed these resolutions while presenting a communiqué at the end of the governors’ meeting held in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday. He emphasized that each state would appoint a special security advisor and that the Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team would be responsible for overseeing regional security efforts.

Sanwo-Olu also revealed that the governors plan to deploy advanced technology, including aerial surveillance systems, to enhance security operations. Additionally, they resolved to improve intelligence gathering by strengthening collaboration between state security forces, local vigilante groups, and federal law enforcement agencies.

The meeting was attended by governors from all six Southwest states, including Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti). The forum reaffirmed its commitment to addressing both security and economic challenges to ensure stability and prosperity in the region.