From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) run by the former Chief of Army Staff ( COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai has advocated constitutional roles as well as more funds for traditional rulers in the country in view of vital role traditional institutions play in addressing security challenges.
The Centre noted that five percent allocation from Local Government accounts given to the traditional institutions was grossly inadequate, stressing enhanced funding for traditional institutions would strengthen their capacity to address security challenges at the grassroots level.
A communique issued at the end of a 5-day seminar and retreat in Kaduna noted that investment in traditional institutions will have a significant impact on overall national security.
The gathering brought together traditional rulers from Southwest Nigeria’s “Group-12” from Osun State, for a critical dialogue with the theme “Traditional Institutions and Contemporary Security Challenges in Nigeria.”
The communique which was read by
Adedokun Abolarin Chairman
Osun Group 12, also called for strengthening of the judicial functions of traditional rulers to deal with local and customary issues.
The communique read in part, “Nigeria faces a complex security landscape characterized by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and other criminal activities. Recognizing the vital role traditional institutions can play in addressing these challenges, the TBRC facilitated discussions exploring their unique strengths and contributions to national security.
“The retreat underscored the critical role traditional rulers play in maintaining social cohesion, conflict resolution, and fostering security within their domains. Their deep understanding of local customs and dynamics positions them uniquely to mediate and prevent conflicts before they escalate.
“The retreat also noted that Nigeria has reached a stage when the role of the traditional rulers with their level of education, exposure and experiences, needs to be re-examined more critically to give them constitutional recognition and roles that will formally legitimize the informal roles they have been
playing on security, conflict resolution, while participating in security and development planning at local, state and national levels.
“Additionally, collaboration between traditional institutions, government, and security agencies emerged as essential for developing effective security strategies and integrating local needs into national policies.
“There is a need for Constitutional Recognition and Empowerment in Nigeria. It therefore calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to formally recognize traditional institutions through political reforms and constitutional amendments and equip them with modern governance frameworks to effectively address socio-economic and contemporary security challenges in the country.
“Governments at various levels should enhance the capacity of traditional rulers by engaging in specialized training programmes for traditional rulers across the country in conflict resolution, community policing, and crisis management. This will enhance their skills in fostering peace and stability within their communities and beyond.
“There is a need to Integrate our traditional institutions into contemporary governance structures, legitimising their existing roles at various levels. This will create a more inclusive security architecture that leverages their local knowledge and influence.
“The retreat recognising the importance of transparency and accountability, recommends establishing mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and public awareness within traditional governance structures. Building trust with their communities is essential for their continued effectiveness.
“The five per cent allocation from Local Government accounts given to the traditional institutions
is grossly inadequate. Therefore the retreat also recommends increased funding for traditional
institutions because enhanced funding for traditional institutions would strengthen their capacity to
address security challenges at the grassroots level as the investment will have a significant impact on overall national security.
“There is a need to strengthen the judicial functions of traditional rulers to deal with local and customary issues, as enhancing the judicial functions of traditional rulers by integrating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms within their institutions.
“This will promote a swifter and more peaceful resolution of local disputes.
The Federal Government of Nigeria should convene a National Conference for traditional institutions to articulate their positions and submit a proposed Bill to the National Assembly to integrate the traditional institution into the governance structure.
“Consequently, the TBRC strongly supports these recommendations, believing they will significantly strengthen the role of traditional institutions as pillars of national security and stability.
“By empowering these institutions and fostering collaboration between them, government, and security agencies, Nigeria can build a more secure and peaceful future for all its citizens
“Recognising the importance of traditional rulers, and the nexus between national security, peace and stability and capacity building, the Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) hosted a five-day seminar and retreat from 20th to 25th May 2024 at the Fifth Chukker Polo Club and Resort in Katabu, Kaduna State.
“The occasion featured Keynote Address, papers and a book presentation. The well-attended seminar and retreat aimed at Strengthening the Role of Traditional Institutions in National Security noted the challenge of recognising and finding constitutional roles and funding the traditional institutions in
the country, hence the myriads of socio-economic and security challenges in the country”.