The 19 northern governors, under the auspices of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), have demanded an immediate review of Nigeria’s security strategies and the creation of state police to tackle the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in parts of the North-East, killings by bandits in the North-West and North-Central, as well as the general insecurity across the country.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has dismissed concerns that governors could abuse the powers of state police, stressing that the legal framework to be enacted by the National Assembly would restrict the scope of state police to addressing insecurity and criminality, excluding political matters.
In a communiqué issued yesterday at the end of their meeting with the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC) at the Government House, Kaduna, the governors called on the National Assembly to expedite the enactment of the legal framework necessary for the take-off of state police.
The communiqué, read by NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, commended President Bola Tinubu for his sustained commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and the infrastructural deficit in the North. However, it acknowledged recent setbacks in efforts to combat insecurity and other social vices.
The communiqué stated that after exhaustive deliberations on regional matters—particularly security—the northern governors:
“Resolved to liaise with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to work out modalities for increasing support to federal security forces.
The forum also resolved to strengthen local initiatives in combating all forms of security challenges and to urgently set up inter-state platforms to coordinate surveillance along our joint borders.
The forum reiterated its support for the creation of state police and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on enacting the legal framework for its take-off.”
It further announced that the next meeting of the forum would be held on August 30, 2025.
Speaking further on the outcome of the meeting, Governor Yahaya called for intensified efforts to end killings and ensure the safety of lives across the region. He extended condolences to the governments and people of Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe states over recent tragic incidents.
“These mindless acts of violence against innocent citizens remind us of the urgent need to redouble our security efforts and ensure that adequate security measures are vigorously implemented,” Yahaya said.
“The resurgence of Boko Haram activities in parts of the North-East and the outbreak of violent killings in the North-Central call for an immediate review of strategies and greater synergy among federal, state, and local security agencies.”
The governor also reflected on the forum’s previous position on tax reform bills, noting that it sparked wide-ranging reactions.
“I am pleased to report that, through the platform of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the National Economic Council (NEC), and in consultation with the leadership of the National Assembly, we have found a way forward that will lead to a mutually beneficial resolution of the matter,” he stated.
He described this development as a demonstration of the power of constructive engagement and commended President Tinubu for his listening ear and commitment to inclusive governance.
“We recommend that, going forward, such a collaborative approach should guide all matters of intergovernmental relations in the interest of the people,” he said.
On infrastructure, Yahaya lamented the deplorable state of development in Northern Nigeria.
“While we acknowledge President Tinubu’s commitment to completing the Kaduna-Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, and the AKK gas pipeline, many other projects like the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line, Kano-Maiduguri expressway, and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu expressway remain in serious neglect,” he said.
“In the same vein, no state in the North-East was included in the federal government’s superhighway project.”
He also expressed concern over the decline of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC), saying that with proper restructuring, competent management, and effective oversight, it could be restored as a catalyst for regional economic growth.
Yahaya further addressed the persistent Almajiri phenomenon and lack of job opportunities for the youth, saying these issues continue to undermine human capital development.
“As the rainy season approaches, we must implement proactive measures to mitigate perennial farmer-herder clashes and address climate-related challenges such as floods and droughts,” he added.
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