KADUNA, Nigeria — Political and traditional leaders from Northern Nigeria convened in Kaduna on Saturday, May 10, 2025, to deliberate on persistent security threats and development challenges facing the region.
The meeting, held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, brought together governors from all 19 northern states and the chairmen of their respective traditional rulers’ councils.
Chaired by Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya — who also heads the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern States Traditional Rulers’ Council — the session focused on fostering nonpartisan cooperation in tackling regional crises such as insurgency, banditry, inter-communal conflict, and systemic poverty.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the forum underscored the need for unified efforts and renewed commitment to regional stability and development. Below are the key resolutions:
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Commendation of Federal Leadership:
The forum acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in confronting security and infrastructure challenges in the north and expressed appreciation for his administration’s commitment. -
Support for Security Agencies:
Governors resolved to work with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to develop strategies for bolstering federal security agencies operating across northern states. -
Strengthening Local Security Initiatives:
In light of local peculiarities, the forum agreed to enhance indigenous security measures to address region-specific threats. -
Joint Border Surveillance:
The governors and traditional rulers resolved to establish interstate coordination platforms to monitor joint borders and improve intelligence-sharing among neighbouring states. -
State Police Endorsement:
The forum reiterated its support for the creation of state police forces and urged the National Assembly to fast-track the legal framework necessary for implementation. -
Next Regional Meeting:
The next meeting of the forum is scheduled for August 30, 2025.
The session comes amid mounting concerns over renewed Boko Haram activity in the North-East, widespread banditry in the North-West, and recurring farmer–herder clashes in the North-Central zone.
The region also faces entrenched socio-economic challenges, including high poverty rates and a significant number of out-of-school children.
Saturday’s meeting marked a renewed call for region-wide unity beyond political affiliations.
Governor Yahaya described the forum’s commitment to peer review and nonpartisan collaboration as “critical to addressing the developmental challenges confronting the northern region and the nation at large.”
