The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, has said that the governors have agreed to contribute N500 million each towards the construction of a permanent secretariat for the forum.
He disclosed this on Monday during the forum’s meeting in Abuja.
Acknowledging improvements in the security situation in the region since their last meeting in December 2025, Yahaya called on the governors to sustain and intensify efforts to tackle insecurity across the region, warning that recent gains could be reversed without continued vigilance.
He attributed the progress to coordinated actions by state governments, backed by the Federal Government, but stressed that the region must not relent.
“Though we have recorded measurable progress, there is no room for complacency. We must consolidate on these gains by addressing emerging threats and ensuring lasting peace across the region,” he said.
In a statement issued by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, the governor described security as the foundation of development, noting that the protection of lives and property must remain a top priority.
He also said ongoing efforts to strengthen the institutional framework of the NSGF were yielding results, positioning the forum for more effective coordination and policy implementation.
On funding security operations, Yahaya reiterated the forum’s decision to establish a Northern States Security Trust Fund, with each state contributing N1 billion monthly.
He disclosed that some states, including Gombe, Nasarawa, Borno, Kebbi and Kaduna, had already commenced payments, and urged others to comply.
The NSGF chairman reaffirmed support for the creation of state police, describing it as a critical step towards addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges through community-based and intelligence-driven approaches.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to the initiative in collaboration with the National Assembly.
Yahaya also linked insecurity to socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment and illiteracy, calling for greater investment in education and human capital development.
He warned that the growing number of out-of-school children in the region poses a serious threat to long-term stability.
The governor further urged proactive measures to prevent farmer-herder conflicts as the rainy season approaches, while expressing support for federal government efforts to modernise livestock management.
He called for unity among northern governors, stressing that only collective action can guarantee lasting peace and development in the region.