Governors under the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) have announced what they described as noticeable improvements in the security situation across Northern Nigeria, despite ongoing insecurity challenges in parts of the country.

The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, made the disclosure in Abuja during a meeting of the 19 northern state governors.

He acknowledged that insecurity in the region is closely linked to issues such as illiteracy and poverty, stressing the need for large-scale investment in education, human capital development, and employment opportunities as long-term solutions to the crisis.

Yahaya noted that when the governors last met in December 2025, the security situation was deeply troubling and required urgent and coordinated intervention.

However, he expressed optimism that collective efforts, alongside support from the Federal Government, have led to measurable improvements in security across parts of Northern Nigeria.

Despite the progress, he warned against complacency, urging continued efforts to sustain the gains recorded and address emerging threats.

He emphasised that ensuring peace and safety remains fundamental to development in the region.

The governors’ meeting focused on developing proactive strategies to prevent recurring farmer–herder clashes, particularly ahead of the rainy season, which is often associated with such conflicts.

The Forum also reiterated its support for the establishment of state police, arguing that localised and intelligence-driven security systems are better suited to address the complex security challenges facing the region.

According to Yahaya, the structure and nature of insecurity in Northern Nigeria require decentralised policing solutions to enhance effectiveness.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting reforms aimed at establishing a constitutional framework for state policing, noting that collaboration with the National Assembly is a crucial step in advancing the initiative.

The Forum also highlighted the need to tackle root causes of insecurity, including unemployment, poverty and lack of access to education, with special emphasis on addressing the growing number of out-of-school children.

On the issue of farmer–herder clashes, the governors stressed the importance of working closely with federal authorities, security agencies, and community leaders to develop lasting solutions.

They also expressed support for ongoing livestock transformation initiatives as a means of reducing conflicts and improving agricultural productivity.

In addition, the Forum discussed plans to strengthen its institutional structure to improve coordination, continuity and policy implementation across member states.

As part of its resolutions, the NSGF reaffirmed the establishment of a Northern States Security Trust Fund, with each state committing to contribute N1 billion monthly to support regional security efforts.

Some states, including Nasarawa, Gombe, Borno, Kebbi and Kaduna, have already begun making their contributions while others were urged to follow suit promptly to ensure the effectiveness of the initiative.

The governors also agreed to contribute towards the development of a permanent secretariat for the Forum, with several states already making payments toward the project. Others were encouraged to meet their obligations without delay.

Yahaya concluded by urging sustained commitment, collaboration and accountability among member states to secure the region and promote lasting development.