Governors from Nigeria’s northern states, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang met in a meeting focused on tackling worsening security issues and infrastructural gaps in the region.
The nineteen governors, as well as leaders of the region’s traditional institutions,s, gathered in Kaduna at the government house.
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The Forum, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, acknowledged the gravity of insecurity plaguing the region and commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued efforts to address the crisis and boost infrastructure.
The forum agreed on the need for increased collaboration among governors, regardless of party affiliations, and resolved to strengthen cooperation with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to scale up support for federal security agencies.
To tackle cross-border threats, the governors resolved to establish inter-state surveillance platforms.
They also renewed their call for the creation of state police, urging the National Assembly to fast-track the necessary constitutional amendments to actualise it.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who welcomed participants to the meeting, called for a coordinated and holistic approach to combating poverty and insecurity.
He described Northern Nigeria as bearing the heaviest burden of violence and economic decline and said piecemeal interventions would no longer suffice.
“Despite our past reputation for agricultural wealth and resilience, the region now finds itself overwhelmed by displacement, hardship, and violence,” Sani said.
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In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence Muhammadu Saad Abubakar, said the situation in Benue, Plateau, Niger, and Sokoto states had become dire and unacceptable.
He pledged the unwavering support of traditional leaders to efforts aimed at restoring peace and security.
The Sultan praised the governors for their commitment and urged them to form a united northern front to confront the region’s shared challenges.
