Northern Governors Security meeting on Strategy Review Amid Rising Insecurity.
By NIGPOST Newsroom | May 10, 2025
Northern Leaders Unite for Peace and Progress
Amid escalating violence and security concerns across Nigeria’s northern region,
fourteen of the nineteen Northern governors converged in Kaduna on May 10, 2025, under the aegis of the Northern Governors’ Forum.
This crucial meeting included traditional rulers and key stakeholders, sending a powerful signal of unity and determination.
Their call? A complete overhaul and review of Nigeria’s current security strategies.
The Northern Governors security meeting did not only reflect shared frustrations but also outlined a roadmap for lasting peace,
improved infrastructure, and economic revitalization. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the meeting and its broader implications.
United in Concern – Who Was at the Security Meeting?
Governors Present
Fourteen governors attended the meeting in person, representing a wide swath of the northern region:
Dauda Lawal (Zamfara)
Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna)
Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe)
Umar Namadi (Jigawa)
Nasir Idris (Kebbi)
Ahmed Fintiri (Adamawa)
Kefas Agbu (Taraba)
Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa)
Mai Malam Buni (Yobe)
Mohammed Bago (Niger)
Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto)
Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)
Dikko Radda (Katsina)
Ahmed Ododo (Kogi)
Governors of Borno, Kwara, Kano, Benue, and Bauchi sent representatives.
Traditional Leadership Participation
Members of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, including various Emirs and Chiefs,
lent their voices and authority to the call for enhanced security, highlighting the intersection of governance and culture in addressing regional challenges.
Key Themes From the Meeting
Security Challenges and Strategic Overhaul
The Chairman of the Forum and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya,
expressed deep concern over renewed attacks by Boko Haram in the North-East and violent killings in the North-Central.
He urged the Federal Government to re-evaluate its current strategies and enhance collaboration between federal, state, and local security apparatuses.
“We must work together to address the security challenges facing our region.
It’s imperative that we enhance our security measures to protect our citizens,” Yahaya said.
His remarks were echoed by other governors and traditional leaders who believe security reform must be both people-centered and technology-driven.
Infrastructure Deficits – Projects in Limbo
Governor Yahaya also spotlighted decaying infrastructure across the north,
particularly the stalled Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line and the Kano–Maiduguri expressway.
He called for creative financing models like public-private partnerships and infrastructure bonds to breathe life into these critical projects.
Economic Growth Through Regional Collaboration
The New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) was identified as a key tool for driving regional economic development.
However, the governors acknowledged the need to restructure and adequately fund the company to maximize its potential.
They recommended:
Competent management
Effective oversight
Increased investments in agriculture and energy
Social Development and Human Capital
Tackling the Almajiri Crisis and Unemployment
The governors also addressed the long-standing Almajiri system, which has contributed to the cycle of poverty and insecurity in the region.
Governor Yahaya emphasized the urgency of:
Reforming religious education
Empowering youth with vocational skills
Promoting modern education and mentorship programs
Environmental and Agricultural Reforms
Climate change and desertification have intensified farmer-herder clashes, food insecurity, and migration crises.
Proactive steps were suggested:
Environmental protection initiatives
Support for local farmers
Adoption of smart agricultural technologies
Traditional Institutions as Peace Ambassadors
Northern traditional rulers were praised for their longstanding role in conflict resolution and community cohesion.
The governors agreed to strengthen partnerships with them in grassroots governance.
Kaduna Governor Speaks – The Time for Results Is Now
Governor Uba Sani’s Vision
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who hosted the meeting,
lauded President Bola Tinubu for recommitting to vital infrastructure projects like the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano dual carriageway.
He emphasized:
The project’s strategic importance to 12 northern states
The need for accelerated execution
The president’s responsiveness to northern needs
“Mr. President will go down in history as the leader who listened to the cries of the Northern people,” Sani affirmed.
Sani urged his fellow governors to put personal interests aside and unite behind a bold roadmap for peace and development.
Call for an Implementation Framework
The Kaduna governor concluded by urging quick action:
Finalize and adopt a regional security-development roadmap
Develop an implementation and funding strategy
Create accountability mechanisms to track progress
The Way Forward – What Nigerians Expect
Citizens Demand Action, Not Meetings
The public sentiment is clear: enough of deliberations it’s time for results.
The average Nigerian wants to see safer roads, job opportunities, functioning schools, and uninterrupted power.
Governors must translate their resolutions into tangible change.
Stronger Federal Collaboration
The Forum’s next steps should include:
Strategic meetings with the National Security Adviser and Minister of Defense
Collaboration with civil society and international security partners
Pressure on the National Assembly for policy and budget support
Time to Secure the North and Empower Its People
The Northern Governors security meeting represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history.
It’s not just about reacting to violence but planning a proactive, inclusive, and sustainable future for over 100 million Nigerians in the northern region.
The governors have taken the first step. Now, the real work begins.
What’s your take on the Northern Governors’ renewed push for security and development?
Join the conversation in the comments below and share this article with fellow Nigerians.
Let’s make sure our leaders feel the weight of our expectations.
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