Northern governors on Monday approved the creation of a regional security trust fund that will draw a combined N1 billion each month from the 19 northern states and their local governments as the region battles worsening violence.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum announced the decision in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting with the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council. The fund, to be deducted at source, is intended to bolster efforts against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping that have plagued the region for years.
“The forum resolved to set up a regional security trust fund to be funded with monthly contributions of one billion naira… under a framework to be agreed upon,” said Gombe state governor Inuwa Yahaya, who chairs the forum
The governors urged President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate six-month suspension of all mining activities in northern Nigeria, saying illegal mining has become a “major contributory factor” to the insecurity. They alleged that artisanal miners and their financial backers have been helping to bankroll armed groups operating across the region.
They also called for a full audit and revalidation of mining licences during the suspension period, in consultation with state governments, to curb illicit mining and the revenue streams feeding criminal networks.
The governors commended Tinubu for efforts that led to the recent release of abducted schoolchildren and praised security forces for what they described as sustained sacrifices in confronting insurgents.
They reaffirmed their support for the creation of state police, urging northern members of the National Assembly and state legislatures to accelerate constitutional amendments needed to establish the decentralised forces
