Twelve Northern Governors were absent from the meeting held in Kaduna on Tuesday. Present were the Governors of Gombe, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, and Bauchi.

The absent Governors were represented by their deputies and secretaries. The meeting was chaired by Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF).

Key Points Discussed:

Security Challenges: Governor Yahaya expressed sympathy for Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, and Zamfara States for their security issues and urged solidarity among Governors. The NSGF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Government to address these challenges.

State Police: The Governors discussed exploring state policing models based on cooperation and collaboration among Northern states.

Economic Development: Economic development was identified as a long-term solution to security challenges, and the revitalization of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) was highlighted as a key agenda item.

Out-of-School Children: The Governors lamented the high number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria and emphasized the need for investment in education and skills development to empower youth.

Regional Integration: The NSGF recognized regional integration as crucial for the prosperity of the Northern region and called for enhanced collaboration in infrastructure, human capital, trade, security, and cultural exchange.

Kaduna Governor Sen. Uba Sani stated that the NSGF had made progress in addressing security challenges and praised the Federal Government’s support under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He emphasized the need to review successes and challenges and develop new strategies to combat terrorism and other crimes. CONTINUE READING