Northern governors have announced the creation of a landmark regional Security Trust Fund, with each state contributing N1 billion monthly to tackle the escalating security challenges across the region.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held on Monday in Kaduna.
The meeting, held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, was attended by the governors of the 19 northern states as well as the chairmen of the traditional councils from the region.
In the communiqué signed by the chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening unity, stability and development in the North, noting that cooperation remained critical at a time of heightened insecurity.
The Forum condoled with Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano states over recent killings and abductions, and with Borno and Yobe states following renewed Boko Haram attacks.
It commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts toward securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and addressing other security threats. The governors also praised security personnel for their sacrifices and pledged support for stronger military action against insurgents.
The Forum reiterated its backing for the establishment of state police and urged federal and state lawmakers from the region to accelerate legislative processes for its actualisation.
It further noted that illegal mining had become a major driver of insecurity in the North and resolved to recommend that the Federal Government suspend mining activities for six months to allow an audit and revalidation of licences in consultation with governors.
To tackle insecurity collectively, the governors approved the establishment of a regional Security Trust Fund, to be financed by monthly contributions of N1 billion per state and local governments, to be deducted at source under an agreed framework.
The Forum said it would reconvene at a later date to be communicated.
