Security has improved in North

• Admit illiteracy, poverty fuelling insecurity in region

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

Nigerian governors under the auspices of Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) have celebrated measurable improvement in the security situation across the region despite the escalating insecurity ravaging that parts of the country

The Forum’s chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, made the disclosure in Abuja, in his opening remarks at the meeting of members, comprising all 19 northern states.

While admitting that insecurity in northern Nigeria is deeply intertwined with issues of illiteracy and poverty, the forum stressed that they must invest deliberately and massively in education, human capital development and economic opportunities for the unemployed masses to achieve lasting peace.

The Forum’s boss said: “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.

“However, there is absolutely no room for complacency. We must sustain and intensify our collective efforts to consolidate on the gains recorded by neutralising emerging threats and ensuring that peace and security take firm and lasting root across our region. The safety of our people remains the foundation upon which all development rests,” he warned.

He revealed that the thrust of the meeting was to restrategise and put proactive measures in place to avert recurring farmers and herders clashes before the commencement of this year’s rainy season.

The governors also promised to be at the forefront of creation of state police, noting that the nature and complexity of the security challenges facing northern Nigeria require localised, intelligence-driven responses that only state policing can effectively provide.

“We have consistently maintained that the nature and complexity of the security challenges we face require localised, intelligence-driven responses that only state policing can effectively provide.

“In this regard, we must commend President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support towards advancing this critical reform. 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 the initiative as part of our broader strategy to secure our region.

“While we confront the security challenges, we must not lose sight of their underlying causes. Insecurity in Northern Nigeria is deeply intertwined with issues of illiteracy, poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment.

“If we are to achieve lasting peace, we must invest deliberately and massively in education, human capital development and economic opportunities for our people. The challenge of out-of-school children, in particular, remains a critical concern that requires urgent, continuous and coordinated action,” the Forum’s boss said.

On the need to put measures in place to avert farmers – herders clash, the Forum said: “As we approach the rainy season, we must also proactively address the recurring issue of farmer-herder conflicts, which has historically posed significant threats to peace and agricultural productivity in our region.

“It is essential that we work closely with the Federal Government, security agencies and community leaders to develop sustainable, proactive and lasting solutions. In this regard, we lend our support to Mr. President’s livestock transformation initiatives, which provide a viable pathway for resolving the conflicts in a structured and modern manner.”

Admitting that the efforts towards institutional strengthening and restructuring of the NSGF are bearing fruits, the Forum noted, “As we continue to take on greater responsibilities in collectively shaping the future of northern Nigeria, it is imperative that the Northern States Governors’ Forum is repositioned on a solid institutional foundation; one that enhances coordination, ensures continuity and improves our capacity for strategic engagement and policy implementation.

“At our last meeting, we took far-reaching decisions, particularly the resolution to establish the Northern States Security Trust Fund, with a firm commitment by each state to contribute N1 billion monthly to the Fund. This initiative represents a bold and practical step towards strengthening our regional security architecture through sustainable funding and collaborative engagement.

“I am pleased to note that some states, notably Nasarawa, Gombe, Borno, Kebbi and Kaduna have already begun fulfilling this commitment. I commend those who have taken this important step and urge others to follow suit promptly. The effectiveness of this Fund depends on our collective commitment, consistency and shared sense of urgency.

“As we continue to deliberate on the Fund’s operational framework, governance structure and accountability mechanisms, each state is required to nominate a trustee to the Fund in order to strengthen oversight and internal governance.

“We equally commit to paying N500 million each (N100 million 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. It is my hope that other states will expedite actions towards fulfilling this commitment,” he appealed.