The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern States Traditional Council convened a crucial meeting in Kaduna on Saturday to address the escalating security challenges plaguing the region. Sparked by the alarming rise in killings across several northern states, the meeting aimed to formulate effective strategies to combat the pervasive insecurity and foster much-needed development in the area. This gathering followed a previous joint meeting held in October 2024, also in Kaduna, where the gravity of the security situation and developmental setbacks were discussed. However, despite the earlier deliberations, the security situation had worsened significantly, with hundreds of lives tragically lost in a matter of weeks, underscoring the urgency of the recent summit. The governors and traditional rulers, recognizing the interconnectedness of security and development, emphasized the necessity of a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration across different levels of government and incorporating local initiatives.
At the heart of the meeting’s resolutions was the renewed call for the establishment of state police forces. The leaders viewed this as a critical step towards effectively tackling the security crisis, arguing that locally controlled police forces would possess a deeper understanding of the specific challenges faced by each state and could respond more swiftly and effectively. They urged the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process required to create the legal framework for state police forces to become operational. This demand reflects a growing consensus among many stakeholders that the current centralized policing system is inadequate to address the complex and varied security threats facing Nigeria. The governors and traditional rulers believe that state police forces, empowered with the necessary resources and autonomy, would be better equipped to protect communities and restore peace.
The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting outlined a series of concrete actions to be taken. Recognizing that security threats often transcend state boundaries, the leaders resolved to establish inter-state platforms to facilitate coordinated surveillance along shared borders. This collaborative approach aims to enhance information sharing and enable a more proactive response to potential threats. Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the importance of harnessing local knowledge and resources in combating insecurity. By empowering local communities to participate in security initiatives, the leaders hope to build trust and improve the effectiveness of security operations. This recognition of the critical role of local communities represents a shift away from solely relying on centralized security forces and towards a more participatory approach.
The meeting, attended by a significant number of northern state governors and traditional rulers, highlighted the growing concern over the deteriorating security situation and the urgent need for collective action. Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, stressed the importance of revisiting existing security strategies and fostering stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local security agencies. He condemned the recent spate of killings and emphasized that insecurity remained the foremost challenge confronting the region. Beyond the immediate security concerns, Governor Yahaya also underscored the pressing need to address the region’s socio-economic challenges, including the alarmingly high number of out-of-school children, rising poverty levels, and a fragile economic base.
Recognizing the link between development and security, the governor advocated for the revitalization of key regional assets, such as the New Nigeria Development Company, and increased investment in youth empowerment, education, and vocational training. These initiatives, he argued, are essential for lifting the region out of poverty and reducing its dependence on external aid. Governor Yahaya also expressed concern over the neglect of critical infrastructure projects in the North and urged the exploration of alternative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, to accelerate development. He stressed the collective responsibility of the leaders to deliver tangible results that improve the lives of the people, emphasizing that history would judge them not just on their pronouncements but on their actions.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who hosted the meeting, echoed the sentiments of his colleagues and commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to addressing the infrastructural deficit in the north. He highlighted the importance of the ongoing Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road project, noting that it would significantly improve connectivity and facilitate trade within the region. Governor Sani’s remarks underscored the critical role of infrastructure development in promoting economic growth and enhancing security. The meeting served as a platform for the northern leaders to reiterate their commitment to working collaboratively to address the region’s multifaceted challenges. Their resolve to strengthen security, foster development, and improve the lives of their constituents reflects a shared understanding of the urgent need for collective action and a determination to build a more secure and prosperous future for the North. The collective appeal for state police, the emphasis on inter-state cooperation, and the recognition of the importance of local initiatives all point towards a multifaceted strategy to combat insecurity and foster lasting peace and development in the region.
