Insecurity: Northern govs to commit N19bn monthly

From Abubakar Abdullahi, Lafia

The Northern Governors’ Forum has established a security fund, with each state committing N1 billion monthly to tackle insecurity challenges across the region.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum disclosed this during the State Executive Council meeting in Lafia.

According to Governor Sule, the decision was reached at the last Northern Governors Forum meeting in Kaduna, and the fund will be used to purchase high-tech equipment for security agencies as well as engage and employ youths to support security operations in the region.

He said: “One of the major decisions we have taken is to agree on a one-billion-naira monthly contribution to a security fund. So, the 19 Northern governors will be contributing N19 billion every month for 12 months. We had to take this fight against insecurity on our own in order to secure our region. Otherwise, you know, we will continue to talk about it and nothing will happen.”

“The money will be used in various areas, including the purchase of equipment necessary for fighting insecurity and the engagement and employment of youths who will be properly trained to support us as vigilantes.”

Governor Sule said the Forum also plans to build its Secretariat in Kaduna, noting that Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has allocated land in a strategic location. The 19 Northern governors have agreed to donate N100 million each for the foundation laying of the proposed permanent NGF Secretariat.

“All meetings of the Northern Governors Forum have been held continuously at the Government House in Kaduna. However, the Kaduna State Governor has kindly allocated a piece of land in a strategic location where we will build our own secretariat. Additionally, each of the 19 states will contribute N100 million this month, which will be used for land clearing and foundation work for the secretariat.”

Governor Sule also disclosed that the Forum has appointed Chief Ezekiel Gomos as Director-General of the Northern States Governors Forum.

Gomos, a former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, will oversee the management of the security fund and coordinate the collective efforts of the northern governors in addressing the region’s security challenges.

Governor Sule further provided clarification on the decision to suspend mining activities in the state, made during the recent Northern Governors Forum meeting in Kaduna.

According to him, the suspension is not a total ban on mining operations for six months but rather a suspension of new licensing, pending verification of authentic miners.

The verification process aims to identify legitimate miners and eliminate illegal mining activities that generate no revenue for the state and contribute to insecurity.

The governor explained that the presence of illegal miners in the state has created a haven for bandits, kidnappers, and other security threats, necessitating stricter regulation of the industry.

He assured that the suspension is not intended to deprive Nasarawa State of revenue but to ensure that mining activities are conducted in a safe and controlled manner.

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