Northern Governors Endorse State Police, Commit ₦1bn Monthly Security Fund to Combat Insecurity
By Editor In-cheif Public Eye News
Kaduna, Nigeria – Northern governors and traditional rulers have endorsed the establishment of State Police, reaffirmed their commitment to a ₦1 billion monthly Security Trust Fund, and unveiled a broader regional strategy aimed at tackling insecurity and accelerating socio-economic development across Northern Nigeria.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the joint meeting of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, held on Wednesday at the Council Chamber, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
The meeting, chaired by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, focused exclusively on the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and explored practical measures to restore peace, stability and sustainable development across the region.
State Police Receives Strong Backing
A major highlight of the meeting was the Forum’s renewed endorsement of the proposed establishment of State Police, describing it as a critical component of Nigeria’s future security architecture.
The governors commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for initiating the constitutional process required to establish state policing, expressing confidence that properly trained, equipped and adequately funded state police formations would significantly strengthen efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Governors Reaffirm ₦1 Billion Monthly Security Commitment
The Forum also reaffirmed its commitment to funding the recently inaugurated Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, with each Northern state pledging to contribute ₦1 billion monthly.
The governors urged all member states to fulfil their financial commitments promptly and called on traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to support the Board of Trustees in delivering on its mandate of mobilising resources and strengthening regional security coordination.
Poverty, Unemployment and Illiteracy Identified as Drivers of Insecurity
Beyond military operations, the Forum stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved by addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.
It identified poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and the growing number of out-of-school children as major factors fuelling violence and criminality across the region.
The governors pledged to increase investments in education, agriculture, youth empowerment, job creation, skills acquisition and livelihood programmes as part of a comprehensive strategy to promote long-term peace and economic growth.
Protection of Farmers During Rainy Season
With the farming season underway, the Forum directed governments and security agencies to strengthen security around farming communities to enable farmers cultivate their lands without fear of attacks.
It also resolved to deepen collaboration with traditional rulers, local government councils and community leaders to prevent communal conflicts, promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, and support livestock transformation initiatives aimed at modernising agriculture and boosting the regional economy.
Regional Collaboration Beyond Security
In a move to deepen regional integration, the Forum agreed to extend its collaborative approach beyond security to critical sectors including education, healthcare and agriculture.
The governors pledged to develop a unified regional framework that will encourage resource sharing, innovation and coordinated interventions to improve service delivery and drive sustainable development across Northern Nigeria.
Appreciation to President Tinubu
The Forum expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant stakeholders to restore peace and stability across the North.
The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.
Source: Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
About The Author
