Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, represented by Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe has joined Governors of the 19 Northern states on Monday to renew commitment to tackling insecurity and boosting development across the region at a meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum held in Abuja.
During the meeting, Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the region had recorded some improvement in security since their last meeting in December 2025.
He, however, warned that there was no room for complacency, stressing that governors must sustain joint efforts to tackle emerging threats and ensure lasting peace.
Yahaya said the Forum remained committed to supporting the Federal Government under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing security challenges across the country.
He added that the planned Northern States Security Trust Fund, with a proposed contribution of ₦1 billion monthly by each state, would strengthen regional security operations.
The chairman commended states that had already begun payments and urged others to comply without delay.
He also revealed that governors had agreed to contribute funds for the construction of a permanent secretariat for the Forum to improve coordination and policy implementation.
On security reforms, Yahaya reiterated the Forum’s support for the creation of state police, noting that localised policing remained key to addressing complex security issues in the North.
He further stressed the need to tackle the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy, especially the growing number of out-of-school children.
The governors also pledged to work with the Federal Government and stakeholders to prevent farmer-herder clashes ahead of the rainy season, while supporting livestock reforms.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Forum reaffirmed its unity and commitment to strengthening collaboration among member states.
The governors also resolved to support digital reforms within the Forum, explore new revenue opportunities, and continue engagement on energy development projects.
They called on Nigerians to support the President, security agencies, and ongoing effortsto secure the country.