Northern governors start security fund, promise N1 billion monthly

Governors from the 19 northern states have set up the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF) and promised to contribute ₦1 billion every month from their states. This fund aims to boost regional security efforts and tackle ongoing security problems.

They made this announcement on Wednesday during a meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council. The meeting took place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna and was covered by PREMIUM TIMES.

The gathering included governors, traditional leaders, senior government officials, and security experts. They discussed the security issues in northern Nigeria and looked for ways to work together to restore peace and safety.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who hosted the meeting, said the talks were open and constructive. He emphasized that insecurity in Northern Nigeria needs more than just individual state efforts.

He pointed out that tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes requires unity among the states. He also mentioned the importance of working closely with traditional institutions, which are vital for community engagement and gathering local intelligence.

"The security challenges confronting Northern Nigeria require coordinated responses anchored on partnership, trust and shared responsibility," the governor stated.

The forum expressed its backing for the federal government’s work to enhance security across the country. They praised President Bola Tinubu for his decisive actions to strengthen Nigeria’s security setup.

The governors also supported the move to set up state police, calling it timely and necessary. They believe a decentralized policing system, backed by laws, professional standards, and accountability, will boost community policing and improve the country’s ability to protect lives and property.

This renewed support comes amid discussions about changing the constitution to allow states to have their own police forces as part of wider security reforms.

A key outcome of the meeting was the launch of the Board of Trustees for the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF). This board includes respected security experts and senior citizens who are expected to guide and improve regional security coordination.

To keep the initiative going, the governors agreed that their states will contribute ₦1 billion every month to the fund. They said this financial commitment shows their determination to create a coordinated regional security structure that works with federal security agencies.

Northern Nigeria has faced multiple security issues for over a decade, including terrorism in the North-east, banditry in the North-west, farmer-herder clashes, kidnapping for ransom, and community violence. These problems have forced millions to flee their homes, disrupted farming and business activities, and put pressure on state governments and security services.

Experts have often called for better regional cooperation, more investment in intelligence gathering, and stronger community-based security measures to support federal efforts.

Some observers who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES after the meeting praised the governors for taking real steps to improve regional security. Sagir Buba, a public affairs analyst in Kaduna, said setting up the Security Trust Fund is “one of the boldest regional security initiatives in recent years.”

“Security has remained the greatest challenge facing Northern Nigeria. The commitment by governors to contribute funds every month shows they are serious and share responsibility,” he added.

Ladi Aboki, a resident of Kaduna, commended Governor Uba Sani for hosting the meeting and bringing political leaders and traditional rulers together.

“It is encouraging to see governors and our traditional rulers speaking with one voice. We hope the agreements made will lead to better security for regular Nigerians,” she said.

Ibrahim Yusuf, a security and governance expert, also spoke. He said the success of the initiative will depend on transparency and accountability.

“The Trust Fund has great potential, but its credibility will depend on wise management, proper oversight, and measurable results on security in the region,” he noted.