By Muhammad B. Muhammad
In a remarkable show of unity and leadership, the Northern States Governors’ Forum held a joint meeting with the Chairmen of the Northern States Traditional Rulers’ Council on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Council Chamber of the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
The high-profile meeting brought together the governors of all 19 northern states and their traditional counterparts to deliberate on pressing regional challenges, with a particular focus on security and development.
The gathering underscored the importance of nonpartisan collaboration, peer review, and institutional synergy in addressing the socio-economic and security issues confronting Northern Nigeria.
The forum acknowledged the pivotal role traditional rulers continue to play in grassroots governance and community stability, stressing that their integration into strategic planning remains vital for sustainable progress.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to tackling the security crises and infrastructural deficits that have plagued the northern region.
The leaders praised the federal government’s ongoing efforts and pledged to complement those initiatives at the state and local levels.
Among the resolutions reached was a decision to liaise with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to explore ways of increasing support to federal security agencies, ensuring better coordination and resourcing for security operations across the region.
The governors also resolved to strengthen state-specific security frameworks tailored to their local realities.
Recognizing the porous nature of inter-state borders and the threats they pose, the Forum agreed to urgently establish inter-state surveillance platforms to enhance intelligence sharing, border monitoring, and joint operations.
This, they noted, would help stem the tide of cross-border crimes and insurgent activities.
In a bold move to advance the country’s internal security architecture, the Forum reiterated its strong support for the creation of State Police.
It called on the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process that would enable the legal take-off of state policing, emphasizing its potential to enhance local law enforcement and reduce response time to threats.
The Forum concluded by announcing that its next meeting would hold on August 30, 2025.
The meeting is expected to serve as a follow-up on the resolutions made and to further consolidate efforts towards regional peace and development.
Participants described the meeting as a landmark in the evolving partnership between political leadership and traditional institutions, signaling a collective resolve to tackle insecurity and drive development in Northern Nigeria.
Sahel Reporters News
