Governors of the 19 northern states have launched the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF) and committed to contributing ₦1 billion every month to strengthen regional security and improve coordinated efforts against insecurity across the region.
The decision was reached during a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. The gathering brought together governors, traditional rulers, senior government officials and security stakeholders to discuss strategies for tackling the region’s persistent security challenges.
Speaking at the meeting, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said insecurity in Northern Nigeria requires a united approach rather than isolated efforts by individual states. He stressed that combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes demands stronger cooperation among governments and greater collaboration with traditional rulers, who play a vital role in intelligence gathering and community engagement.
The governors also reaffirmed their support for the Federal Government’s ongoing security initiatives and commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.
In addition, the forum endorsed the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary reform that would improve community policing and enhance the protection of lives and property through a more decentralised security system.
A major highlight of the meeting was the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, made up of experienced security experts and respected elder statesmen who will provide strategic leadership for the initiative.
To ensure the sustainability of the fund, the governors agreed that each member state would contribute ₦1 billion monthly, describing the financial commitment as a demonstration of their collective resolve to complement the efforts of federal security agencies and respond more effectively to emerging security threats.
Northern Nigeria has continued to face serious security challenges over the years, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and farmer-herder conflicts, all of which have affected economic activities, displaced millions of residents and placed heavy pressure on governments and security agencies.
Reacting to the initiative, public affairs analyst Sagir Buba described the Security Trust Fund as one of the region’s most significant security initiatives in recent years, expressing hope that it would strengthen efforts to restore peace.
Kaduna resident Ladi Aboki welcomed the collaboration between governors and traditional rulers, saying she hopes the resolutions reached at the meeting will result in improved security for communities across the North.
Security and governance expert Ibrahim Yusuf also praised the initiative but stressed that its success would depend on transparency, accountability and prudent management to ensure the fund delivers measurable improvements in regional security.
