The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council convened a historic joint meeting on December 1, 2025, at the Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. With all 19 Northern governors and traditional rulers in attendance, the gathering underscored the urgency of tackling insecurity, economic stagnation, and social crises that have plagued the region.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting
1. Unity in Crisis
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collective action, stressing that only through cooperation and peer review can the North overcome its mounting challenges.
2. Condolences and Solidarity
The Forum expressed deep sympathy to states recently hit by abductions and killings, including Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Borno, and Yobe. Victims of Boko Haram attacks were also remembered.
3. Backing Federal Efforts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was commended for his role in securing the release of abducted children and confronting insurgency. The Forum pledged full support for intensified military operations against insurgents.
4. Push for State Police
The governors unanimously reaffirmed their support for the establishment of state policing, urging lawmakers to fast-track its actualization.
5. Illegal Mining Crackdown
Illegal mining was identified as a major driver of insecurity. The Forum recommended a six-month suspension of mining activities to allow for a comprehensive audit and revalidation of licenses.
6. Regional Security Trust Fund
In a landmark move, the Forum announced the creation of a Regional Security Trust Fund, with each state contributing ₦1 billion monthly. Funds will be deducted at source to ensure transparency and sustainability.
7. Next Steps
The Forum agreed to reconvene at a later date to review progress and strengthen collective strategies.
Why This Matters
This meeting marks a turning point for Northern Nigeria. By combining political authority with traditional leadership, the region is signaling a united front against insecurity. The establishment of a Security Trust Fund is particularly groundbreaking, offering a structured financial backbone for coordinated action.
Equally significant is the renewed push for state police, which many believe is essential for localized and effective security enforcement. Coupled with the crackdown on illegal mining, these measures aim to address both the symptoms and root causes of violence in the North.
Final Word
The Kaduna communiqué is more than a list of resolutions — it’s a call to action. With unity, financial commitment, and legislative urgency, Northern leaders are charting a new course toward peace, stability, and development.
By Abdulwahab Muhammad
Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Communication to the Bauchi State Governor
Author’s Note
As SSA Communication to the Bauchi State Governor, I believe this communiqué reflects a defining moment for the North. It is not just about policy statements but about the collective will of leaders to safeguard lives, restore trust, and build a future where security and opportunity are guaranteed. The decisions taken in Kaduna will resonate far beyond the region they are a blueprint for resilience and unity in Nigeria.
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