Outcome of northern govs, traditional rulers’ meeting emerges
Northern Governors and Traditional Leaders Address Insecurity in Emergency Meeting
KADUNA, Nigeria — An emergency meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum, alongside traditional rulers, convened Wednesday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House to address the escalating security challenges in the region.
The assembly resulted in a communique, signed by Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum, where leaders emphasized their commitment to enhancing regional collaboration and supporting federal security initiatives.
Participants reviewed the deteriorating security landscape in Northern Nigeria and focused on actionable and sustainable strategies following consultations with key security stakeholders. The forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing national security while reaffirming support for federal efforts aimed at restoring peace throughout the country.
The forum outlined plans to enhance intelligence sharing, bolster community resilience, and develop a framework for regional security and economic development. It stressed the need for urgent and coordinated actions to address the rising threats facing the region.
Progress toward establishing state police also received attention, with members praising the president and National Assembly for advancing necessary constitutional amendments. The forum expressed confidence that effectively trained and equipped state police would play a crucial role in improving national security efforts.
Additionally, the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund was acknowledged, with expectations for them to fulfill their responsibilities with diligence and accountability. Governors commended states that have committed to contributing N1 billion monthly to the fund to enhance regional security operations and urged all members to consistently honor their financial pledges.
The forum also called on traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and citizens to support the Board in executing its mandate. To address root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy, the leaders underscored the importance of sustained investments in education, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
They urged government and security agencies to protect farmers during the rainy season from insecurity and communal conflicts. Leaders committed to fostering collaboration with traditional institutions and local governments, aiming to promote peaceful coexistence and modernize agricultural practices.
In a further step, the forum agreed to extend regional cooperation into education, agriculture, and healthcare within a unified development framework designed to encourage innovation and coordinated interventions for lasting improvement across Northern Nigeria.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to reconvene on a date to be announced later.