From Mustapha Saye, Kaduna
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has urged the 19 Northern states to honour their financial commitments to the newly established Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, describing insecurity as the biggest obstacle to peace, development and prosperity in the region.
Governor Yahaya made the call on Tuesday in Kaduna during the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum meeting, where the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund was inaugurated.
He said the Fund was created to provide a coordinated and sustainable regional approach to tackling security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, drug abuse and other criminal activities affecting communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to him, the initiative would complement the efforts of the Federal Government by strengthening intelligence gathering, improving security coordination, mobilising resources and enhancing community resilience.
The governor recalled that at previous meetings of the Forum held in Kaduna and Abuja, the 19 Northern governors agreed that each state, alongside its local governments, would contribute N1 billion monthly for 12 months to support the Trust Fund.
He commended states that had started fulfilling their pledges, while urging others to do the same, noting that the success of the initiative depended on collective commitment and consistent funding.
“The task before us is too urgent and too important to be left to a few states alone. Our commitment must be demonstrated not only through resolutions but through timely financial contributions and concrete action,” Yahaya said.
He explained that members of the Board of Trustees were selected based on their integrity, experience and dedication to national service.
Governor Yahaya charged the trustees to ensure transparency, accountability and effective management of resources, while focusing on practical measures that would enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response and protection of lives and property.
He stressed that the Trust Fund must not become another bureaucratic structure but a result-oriented platform that supports security agencies and promotes cooperation among governments, traditional institutions and local communities.
The Forum Chairman reaffirmed the governors’ support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the nation’s security agencies, commending ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s security architecture, including discussions on state policing.
He also emphasised that addressing insecurity requires more than military action, calling for greater investment in education, agriculture, youth empowerment, skills development and poverty reduction.
Governor Yahaya further urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the private sector and development partners to work together, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
While declaring the Board inaugurated, he expressed confidence that the Trust Fund would help restore public confidence, strengthen security coordination and promote lasting peace and development across Northern Nigeria.