Governors of the 19 northern states, under the aegis of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NGF), on Monday, March 30, reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling insecurity and driving development across the region.
Papers News reports that the resolution was reached at a meeting held at the Gombe State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, and chaired by the Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, who also signed the communiqué issued at the end of deliberations.
The governors emphasised the need for sustained collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies to address evolving security threats across northern Nigeria.
“The Forum acknowledges and commends the unified efforts of member states in addressing the numerous security and developmental challenges facing the region, noting that these efforts are already producing positive outcomes.
“Furthermore, the Forum reaffirms its resolute commitment to maintaining and enhancing these collaborative actions in order to build upon the progress achieved,” the communiqué read.
They also urged Nigerians to support the armed forces and other security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability.
Beyond security, the forum highlighted plans to strengthen its internal structures through institutional reforms aimed at improving coordination and policy implementation.
The governors announced their support for the digitisation of the forum’s secretariat to enhance efficiency, continuity, and service delivery.
On economic matters, the governors resolved to engage consultants to explore ways of improving internally generated revenue across the region.
The move, they noted, would involve identifying and harnessing untapped taxable sources to boost financial sustainability among the states.
The forum also pledged to sustain engagement with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer to facilitate the establishment of the New Nigeria Energy Company under the Sun Africa Project.
The initiative is expected to boost energy capacity and support economic growth in the region.
Papers News reports that the meeting comes amid renewed security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
In Kaduna State, a recent attack by bandits in Kagarko Local Government Area disrupted a wedding in Kahir village, leaving at least 13 persons dead and several others abducted.
Similarly, in Plateau State, a deadly shooting in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, reportedly claimed several lives.
Governors in the region have repeatedly called for enhanced collaboration with security agencies and increased federal intervention to address the persistent insecurity.
The administration of President Tinubu has, however, maintained that it is prioritising security sector reforms and economic revitalisation, including initiatives aimed at improving energy supply and boosting revenue generation nationwide.
The meeting was adjourned to a later date, with governors expected to reconvene to review progress on the resolutions and ongoing interventions.
