Northern States Governors’ Forum Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Security
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing regional security through the development of the Security Trust Fund. The forum also emphasized the need for continued vigilance, despite recent improvements in the security situation across parts of Northern Nigeria.
During the opening session of the forum’s meeting in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, highlighted that several states have already started fulfilling their monthly commitment of ₦1 billion to the Northern States Security Trust Fund. These states include Nasarawa, Gombe, Borno, Kebbi, and Kaduna.
Banditry and terrorism continue to pose significant threats in many parts of Northern Nigeria, leading to loss of lives and displacement of citizens. However, Nigeria’s security agencies, with support from both the Federal and State Governments, have made notable progress in combating insurgency. This includes several arrests and neutralization of criminals.
In response to these developments, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum acknowledged that the security situation in parts of Northern Nigeria has shown measurable improvement. He stated:
“When we last met in December 2025, we were confronted with a deeply troubling security situation that demanded urgent, coordinated, and decisive action. Today, I am encouraged to note that, through our collective efforts and the support of the Federal Government, the security situation across parts of Northern Nigeria has shown measurable improvement.”
Despite this progress, the Chairman warned against complacency, emphasizing the importance of sustaining and intensifying efforts to consolidate gains. He added that peace and security must take firm and lasting root across the region.
Institutional Strengthening of the NSGF
The Chairman noted that the efforts towards institutional strengthening and restructuring of the NSGF are yielding results. He emphasized the need for the forum to be repositioned on a solid institutional foundation that enhances coordination, ensures continuity, and improves strategic engagement and policy implementation.
At the last meeting, the forum took far-reaching decisions, including the resolution to establish the Northern States Security Trust Fund. Each state committed to contributing one billion naira monthly to the Fund. This initiative is seen as a bold and practical step towards strengthening regional security through sustainable funding and collaborative engagement.
Governance and Accountability of the Trust Fund
As discussions on the Fund’s structure, governance, and accountability continue, each state must appoint a trustee to enhance oversight and internal control. The Chairman expressed satisfaction that some states, notably Nasarawa, Gombe, Borno, Kebbi, and Kaduna, have already begun fulfilling this commitment.
He commended those who have taken this important step and urged others to follow suit promptly. The effectiveness of the Fund depends on collective commitment, consistency, and shared sense of urgency.
The Chairman also mentioned that the NSGF has committed to paying 500 million naira each (100 million naira monthly from December 2025 to April 2026) towards building a befitting secretariat for the NSGF. So far, only Gombe, Nasarawa, Borno, Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States have begun making payments. He hopes other states will expedite actions to fulfill this commitment.
State Police Reform and National Leadership
The Northern Governors also praised President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support in advancing state police reform. The Chairman stated:
“His commitment to working with the National Assembly to create the necessary constitutional framework for state policing in Nigeria is a significant step forward, and we must continue to lend our full support to this initiative as part of our broader strategy to secure our region.”
He added that the NSGF is at the forefront of the growing national conversation around the creation of state police, as captured in various communiques. The forum has consistently maintained that localized, intelligence-driven responses are essential to address the complex security challenges in the region.
Addressing Underlying Causes of Insecurity
While confronting security challenges, the forum emphasized the need to not lose sight of their underlying causes. Insecurity in Northern Nigeria is deeply intertwined with issues such as illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment. To achieve lasting peace, the forum called for deliberate and massive investments in education, human capital development, and economic opportunities.
The Chairman highlighted the critical concern of out-of-school children, which requires urgent, continuous, and coordinated action.
Preparing for the Rainy Season
As the rainy season approaches, the forum also called for proactive measures to address the recurring issue of farmer-herder conflicts. These conflicts have historically posed significant threats to peace and agricultural productivity in the region.
