By: Monday Munkaila, Gombe
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State and Chairman Northern States Governors’ Forum, has declared that while confronting security challenges, Northern States Governors must not lose sight of their underlying causes.
Speaking at the NSGF Meeting in Abuja, on Monday, March 30, 2026, Inuwa Yahaya declared that, “Insecurity in Northern Nigeria is deeply intertwined with issues of illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment. If we are to achieve lasting peace, we must invest deliberately and massively in education, human capital development, and economic opportunities for our people.”
He added that,”The challenge of out-of-school children, in particular, remains a critical concern that requires urgent, continuous and coordinated action.
The NSGF Chairman added that, “As we approach the rainy season, we must also proactively address the recurring issue of farmer-herder conflicts, which has historically posed significant threats to peace and agricultural productivity in our region.”
According to him, “It is essential that we work closely with the Federal Government, security agencies, and community leaders to develop sustainable, proactive and lasting solutions. In this regard, we lend our support to Mr. President’s livestock transformation initiatives, which provide a viable pathway for resolving these conflicts in a structured and modern manner.”
“Let me, at this point, commend Your Excellencies for your continued cooperation, solidarity, and commitment to the ideals of this Forum. The unity we have demonstrated remains our greatest strength, and it is through this unity that we can effectively confront our shared challenges and secure a better future for our people.”
He also used the medium to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his leadership, courage, and firm commitment to the security and stability of the nation stressing,”The task of rebuilding and repositioning Nigeria is no doubt enormous, and it requires the collective support of all Nigerians.”
Inuwa Yahaya called on the people of Northern Nigeria to continue to support the President in this critical national assignment stressing,”Together, through patience, resilience, and collective effort, we shall overcome our challenges and build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Nigeria.”
According to him, “When we last met in December 2025, we were confronted with a deeply troubling security situation that demanded urgent, coordinated, and decisive action. Today, I am encouraged to note that, through our collective efforts and the support of the Federal Government, the security situation across parts of Northern Nigeria has shown measurable improvement.”
He added,”However, there is absolutely no room for complacency. We must sustain and intensify our collective efforts to consolidate on the gains recorded by neutralizing emerging threats and ensuring that peace and security take firm and lasting root across our region. The safety of our people remains the foundation upon which all development rests.”
The NSGF added that,”Our efforts towards the institutional strengthening and restructuring of the NSGF are bearing fruits. As we continue to take on greater responsibilities in collectively shaping the future of Northern Nigeria, it is imperative that the Northern States Governors’ Forum is repositioned on a solid institutional foundation; one that enhances coordination, ensures continuity, and improves our capacity for strategic engagement and policy implementation.”
Inuwa Yahaya further stated that, “At our last meeting, we took far-reaching decisions, particularly the resolution to establish the Northern States Security Trust Fund, with a firm commitment by each state to contribute one billion naira monthly to the Fund. This initiative represents a bold and practical step towards strengthening our regional security architecture through sustainable funding and collaborative engagement.”
“I am pleased to note that some states, notably Nasarawa, Gombe, Borno, Kebbi and Kaduna have already begun fulfilling this commitment. I commend those who have taken this important step and urge others to follow suit promptly. The effectiveness of this Fund depends on our collective commitment, consistency, and shared sense of urgency,” he added.
The Gombe State Governor added that,”As we continue to deliberate on Fund’s operational framework, governance structure, and accountability mechanisms, each state is required to nominate a trustee to the Fund in order to strengthen oversight and internal governance.”
He further reminded his Colleagues that,”We equally commit to paying N500 million each (N100 million monthly from December 2025 to April 2026) towards building a befitting secretariat for the NSGF. So far, only Gombe, Nasarawa, Borno, Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna States have begun making payments. It is my hope that other states will expedite actions towards fulfilling this commitment.”
“My dear colleagues, the NSGF is at the forefront of the growing national conversation around the creation of State Police as captured in our various communiques. We have consistently maintained that the nature and complexity of the security challenges we face require localized, intelligence-driven responses that only state policing can effectively provide,” he stressed.
“In this regard, we must commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his leadership and support towards advancing this critical reform. His commitment to working with the National Assembly to create the necessary constitutional framework for state policing in Nigeria is a significant step forward, and we must continue to lend our full support to this initiative as part of our broader strategy to secure our region,” he added.
He concluded,”As we commence our deliberations today, I urge us all to engage with sincerity, openness, and a strong sense of purpose. The expectations of our people are high, and rightly so. History beckons on us to rise above all differences and act decisively in the interest of our region and our country.”
A cross section members of NSGF
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