KADUNA — The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has called for an urgent overhaul of security strategies to curb the growing insecurity in the region, even as they praised President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing commitment to national security.
At a joint meeting with the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna on Saturday, NSGF Chairman and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya acknowledged recent setbacks in the region’s security, citing a resurgence of Boko Haram in the north-east and escalating violence in the north-central.
“These mindless acts of violence remind us of the urgent need to redouble our security efforts,” Yahaya said, as he extended condolences to the affected states of Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe.
The governors called for greater synergy across federal, state, and local levels and emphasized the value of traditional institutions in maintaining peace. Yahaya urged stronger collaboration with traditional rulers to resolve conflicts and promote community development. “We must continue to strengthen our partnership with them,” he said.
On the economic front, Yahaya called for reforms in the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC), describing it as a once-proud economic driver that must be revived through restructuring and competent management.
He also raised concerns about the neglect of key infrastructure projects in the region, including the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line and Kano–Maiduguri expressway. While commending Tinubu’s efforts on projects like the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano road and the AKK gas pipeline, Yahaya stressed the need for innovative financing solutions, including public-private partnerships, to close infrastructure gaps and boost industrial growth.
The governors also identified the almajiri system and youth unemployment as major human capital challenges. They called for urgent action to provide education and vocational training, particularly through coordinated efforts across Northern states.
“As the rainy season approaches, proactive measures must be taken to prevent farmer-herder clashes and mitigate climate-related threats like flooding and drought,” the forum said.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, in his welcome address, called for the swift development of a roadmap to address security, governance, and development challenges in the North. “We don’t have the luxury of time. Our people want results,” he said.
He also lauded President Tinubu’s efforts on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway, describing it as a lifeline for over 12 states in northern Nigeria. “Mr. President will go down in history as the leader who listened to the cries of the Northern people,” he said.
A communiqué outlining the meeting’s resolutions is expected after the governors’ closed-door session.
