Governors of the 19 Northern states have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling persistent security challenges and accelerating socio-economic development across the region.
The resolution was reached on Monday during a meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) held at the Gombe State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the forum, chaired by the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, reiterated its support for the Tinubu administration and ongoing federal efforts to address evolving security threats nationwide.
The governors stressed that peace and stability remain essential for development in Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.
They urged citizens to support the President, the armed forces, and other security agencies in safeguarding national security.
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While acknowledging improved collaboration among northern states in addressing security and development issues, the forum noted that joint efforts are beginning to yield positive results in parts of the region.
However, it emphasized the need to sustain and expand such coordinated interventions.
As part of efforts to enhance its effectiveness, the Forum endorsed reforms aimed at strengthening and restructuring its institutional framework.
The governors agreed to build a more robust system that would improve coordination among member states, ensure continuity in policy implementation, and enhance strategic engagement.
Central to the reform agenda is the planned digitization of the NSGF Secretariat, a move expected to modernize operations and improve efficiency in policy coordination and execution.
On the economic front, the governors resolved to engage experts to develop strategies for harnessing the region’s revenue potential.
The goal, they said, is to expand internally generated revenue and reduce fiscal pressures on state governments.
The meeting also addressed energy development, with governors reaffirming their commitment to ongoing engagements with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer regarding the proposed New Nigeria Energy Company (NNEC).
They pledged continued collaboration to ensure the successful rollout of the Sun Africa Project, which is expected to boost energy supply and support industrial growth across the northern states.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to deepen inter-state cooperation, strengthen governance structures, and implement policies aimed at achieving lasting peace, economic resilience, and shared prosperity in the region.
