Twelve governors were notably absent from the recent Northern States Governors’ Forum NSGF meeting held on Tuesday in Kaduna, with only the governors of Gombe, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, and Bauchi in attendance. The absent governors sent representatives like their deputies and secretaries.
The meeting comes on the heels of the northern governors’ recent trip to Washington D.C. to discuss strategies for addressing the worsening insecurity plaguing the northern region. NSGF Chairman Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State expressed sympathy for the people impacted by the “unprecedented security challenges” in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, and Zamfara.
He emphasized that security remains the top priority, and the governors reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the federal government, security agencies, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions. Economic development through initiatives like reviving the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) was highlighted as crucial for long-term prosperity and stability.
Governor Yahaya also lamented the concerning prevalence of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria, stating this “unacceptable reality” must be urgently addressed through massive investments in education, healthcare, and social services to empower youth.
The host, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani, noted some progress in degrading criminal elements but called for new strategies for a “final push” against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality plaguing the region.
The meeting underscores the grave security situation in northern Nigeria and the urgency for coordinated efforts between state and federal authorities to restore peace and safety for the millions impacted by the raging violence and instability.
Reference
12 govs absent at NSGF meeting in Kaduna published in Punch.