At a meeting held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Kaduna, the Northern Governors’ Forum, comprising 19 state governors, emphasised the need for collective action to address the escalating security challenges in the region.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who chairs the Forum, highlighted the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the Northeast and violent incidents in the North-Central as pressing concerns requiring immediate attention.
Governor Yahaya called for a review of current security strategies and urged enhanced collaboration between federal, state, and local security agencies to effectively combat insecurity. He also expressed condolences to the people of Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, and Yobe states over recent tragic events.
In addition to security issues, the governors discussed the importance of infrastructure development, citing neglected projects such as the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line and the Kano-Maiduguri expressway. They advocated for innovative financing solutions, including public-private partnerships and infrastructure bonds, to bridge the infrastructure gap.
The meeting also addressed human capital development, with a focus on tackling the Almajiri phenomenon and creating job opportunities for youth through quality education and vocational training. Governor Yahaya emphasised the potential of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) in driving regional economic growth, stressing the need for its proper restructuring and competent management.
The meeting was attended by 14 northern governors, including those from Zamfara, Kaduna, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Adamawa, Taraba, Nasarawa, Yobe, Niger, Sokoto, Plateau, Katsina, and Kogi states. Governors of Borno, Kwara, Kano, Benue, and Bauchi were represented. Traditional rulers from the region also participated in the discussions, underscoring a unified commitment to addressing the region’s challenges.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
