By Our Correspondent
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC), have announced a set of far-reaching measures to address escalating insecurity across the region.
The resolutions followed a high-level meeting held Monday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, attended by all 19 northern governors and chairmen of state traditional councils.
In a communiqué issued after deliberations, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to unity, stability, and development, stressing the need for deeper collaboration between political leaders and traditional institutions.
They commiserated with states recently hit by killings and abductions, including Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano, as well as communities in Borno and Yobe affected by renewed Boko Haram attacks.
The governors and traditional rulers commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as decisive interventions in the release of abducted schoolchildren and ongoing military operations.
They pledged renewed support for federal efforts aimed at intensifying the fight against insurgents.
Backing a major security reform, the Forum reaffirmed its full support for state police and urged federal and state lawmakers to fast-track the legislative process.
Expressing concern over illegal mining, which they identified as a key driver of insecurity, they resolved to recommend that the President direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend mining activities for six months to allow a comprehensive audit and revalidation of mining licences in consultation with state governments.
To boost security financing, the Forum announced plans to establish a regional Security Trust Fund, to be supported through monthly contributions of ₦1 billion from each state and its local governments, deducted at source under an agreed framework.
The Forum will reconvene at a date to be announced. Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, was among those in attendance.
