By Alphapressmedia
The Northern States Governors’ Forum has inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, marking a major step towards strengthening regional security coordination and tackling the growing insecurity across Northern Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, , has reaffirmed the commitment of the 19 Northern governors to adopt a more coordinated and sustainable approach to addressing insecurity through the establishment of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF).
Speaking on Wednesday in Kaduna during the meeting of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described insecurity as the greatest threat to peace, economic growth and social stability in the region.
He noted that banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, drug abuse and other criminal activities continue to devastate communities, disrupt farming and commercial activities, displace families and discourage investment across Northern Nigeria.
According to the governor, the Trust Fund was established to mobilise sustainable financial resources, strengthen intelligence sharing, improve inter-state security coordination and complement the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in protecting lives and property.
“The inauguration of the Board of Trustees marks a significant milestone in our collective determination to confront insecurity in a more organised, coordinated, transparent and accountable manner,” he said.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya stressed that the Trust Fund must remain action-oriented rather than becoming another bureaucratic institution.
“Our people are not looking for another institution; they are looking for action, protection, stability and hope. The success of this Fund will be measured by tangible improvements in security coordination, intelligence sharing, rapid response and the protection of lives and property,” he stated.
The NSGF Chairman disclosed that all nineteen Northern states nominated experienced and reputable individuals to serve on the Board of Trustees, expressing confidence that they would discharge their responsibilities with integrity, patriotism and professionalism.
He reminded his colleagues that the Forum had resolved that each Northern state, together with its local governments, would contribute ₦1 billion monthly for twelve months to finance the Trust Fund.
While commending states that had already begun redeeming their financial commitments, he urged others to fulfil their pledges without delay to ensure the effective take-off of the initiative.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also reaffirmed the Forum’s support for the administration of President , describing the Trust Fund as a complementary initiative designed to strengthen existing national security efforts rather than replace them.
Beyond security operations, he identified poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and the growing population of out-of-school children as major drivers of insecurity, calling for increased investment in education, agriculture, youth empowerment and skills acquisition.
He further urged Northern states to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies to prevent communal conflicts, protect farmers during the rainy season and promote livestock transformation initiatives capable of enhancing peaceful coexistence and boosting agricultural productivity.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also appealed to religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector to support the initiative, stressing that security is a collective responsibility that requires the participation of all stakeholders.
He concluded by calling on leaders across the region to demonstrate unity, political will and consistency in implementing resolutions aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding public confidence.
“As we inaugurate this Board today, history has placed upon us a heavy responsibility. Our people want peace, they want security, and they want to see tangible results. Together, we must secure a stronger, safer and more prosperous Northern Nigeria,” the governor declared.
