NSGF pledges unified action against escalating insecurity
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, has reaffirmed the collective concerns of northern governors over the escalating insecurity in the region. He emphasized their strong commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders to address the issue effectively.
Governor Yahaya made this statement on Monday while receiving a comprehensive report from the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG). The report, prepared by the Experts’ Committee on insecurity in Northern Nigeria, was one of the outcomes of a recent roundtable meeting held in Abuja.
Governor Yahaya highlighted the increasing impact of insecurity on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, particularly those in the agricultural sector, leading to a rise in food prices that affects not only the northern states but the entire country.
He stressed that the governors are dedicated to combating the insecurity that has plagued the region, which has disrupted farming activities and exacerbated food inflation and broader economic challenges.
“As governors, we are deeply concerned about the security situation in Northern Nigeria. This region has the largest portion of the country’s population and is rich in mineral resources and fertile soil, making it ideal for farming. The region’s agricultural strength is crucial for ensuring food security in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the current insecurity is disrupting these activities and contributing to the rising cost of food commodities, impacting all Nigerians, not just those in the North,” Governor Yahaya stated.
Under his leadership, the NSGF plans to convene an expanded meeting with all relevant stakeholders, including past and present leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society organizations. The aim is to discuss and implement strategies to restore stability and prosperity to the region.
“We are committed to taking a collective approach to address the insecurity issue. This report is timely, and we will carefully review it and work together towards its implementation. We are organizing an expanded meeting with all critical stakeholders in the region to explore solutions that will comprehensively address these challenges,” the Governor added.
Governor Yahaya also praised the CNG’s leadership for its detailed analysis and acknowledged its role in addressing the region’s most pressing issues.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Committee of Experts on the security component of the CNG, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, explained that the report presented to Governor Yahaya is the culmination of an extensive and meticulous process examining the evolving nature of insecurity in Northern Nigeria, with the aim of proposing workable solutions.
He highlighted key aspects of the report, including the “All Society Approach” introduced by the group, which aims to establish synergy among stakeholders across Northern Nigeria in tackling insecurity.
The group has also submitted the report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the office of the National Security Adviser for further consideration.
While acknowledging the relative peace in Gombe State, the delegation leader noted that no state is entirely immune from criminal activities, especially when neighboring states are affected by crime and criminality.
Governor Yahaya was joined in receiving the group by the Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Head of Service, Alh. Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, as well as Commissioners and Special Advisers.
