Northern Governors Meet In Abuja To Tackle Security, Development Challenges

Governors from the 19 Northern States are currently meeting at the Gombe State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, under the platform of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the region, particularly security and development.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, in his opening remarks on Monday, welcomed his colleagues with what he described as “a deep sense of duty and shared responsibility,” noting that the meeting was convened to address matters critical to the peace, stability, and progress of Northern Nigeria.

The chairman recalled that when the governors last met in December 2025, the region was facing a troubling security situation that required urgent and coordinated action.

He noted that, through collective efforts by the states and the support of the Federal Government, there has been measurable improvement in security across parts of the North, but stressed that there must be no complacency.

Governor Yahaya also said efforts to strengthen and restructure the NSGF are yielding results, adding that the Forum is working towards building a stronger institutional framework that will enhance coordination and improve policy implementation across the region.

He highlighted key resolutions taken at the previous meeting, including the establishment of the Northern States Security Trust Fund, to which each state is expected to contribute one billion naira monthly.

The chairman further revealed that governors also agreed to contribute funds toward the construction of a permanent secretariat for the Forum, noting that some states have already commenced payments.

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On the national security debate, Governor Yahaya reiterated the Forum’s support for the creation of state police, emphasising that localised and intelligence-driven approaches are needed to tackle the complex security challenges in the region.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to working with the National Assembly to provide the constitutional framework for state policing.

The NSGF chairman also linked insecurity in Northern Nigeria to broader “socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and the growing number of out-of-school children”, stressing the need for “massive investment in education and human capital development”.

He urged proactive steps ahead of the rainy season to address recurring farmer-herder conflicts, while expressing support for the Federal Government’s livestock transformation initiatives aimed at providing lasting solutions.

Governor Yahaya called on the people of Northern Nigeria to continue supporting the President’s efforts to rebuild and reposition the country, expressing optimism that collective effort and unity would help overcome the region’s challenges.

At the meeting, the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, is represented by his deputy, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni. Also in attendance is the Secretary to the Benue State Government, Deaconess Selumun Deborah Aber, Esq.

A communiqué is expected to be issued at the end of the meeting.