Insecurity: Northern Govs Forum Floats N228 Billion Trust Fund

Governors of the 19 Northern states are raising N228 billion within a year to tackle insecurity in the region.

Already, a Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF), has been inaugurated, an initiative described as a major regional response to worsening insecurity.

Member states have been urged to promptly fulfil their commitment to contribute ₦1 billion monthly for one year to support security interventions.

Speaking at the meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the inauguration of the Board in Kaduna, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the Trust Fund would serve as a practical mechanism for mobilizing resources, strengthening intelligence sharing, improving security coordination and complementing the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies.

Yahaya pointed out that the security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and drug abuse, continue to threaten lives, livelihoods and economic development across the region, making coordinated action imperative.

He disclosed that the Forum had earlier resolved that each Northern state, together with its local governments, would contribute ₦1 billion monthly for 12 months to finance the Trust Fund

Be commended states that had already commenced redeeming their pledges while urging others to do the same without delay.

“The task before us is too urgent and too important to be left to a few states alone,” he said, stressing that sustained funding was essential for the success of the initiative.

The Governor explained that the Board of Trustees, nominated by the 19 Northern states, would provide oversight, ensure transparency and accountability, prioritize interventions and support initiatives aimed at improving security coordination across the region.

He cautioned that the Trust Fund must not become another bureaucratic institution, but should remain a responsive, results-oriented platform focused on improving intelligence sharing, rapid response and the protection of lives and property.