Insecurity: Northern Governors Seek Partnership With Stakeholders

By Ayodele Oni

As insecurity in the Northern part of Nigeria continues unabated, governors from the region have resolved to partner relevant stakeholders to tackle the menace.

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, reaffirmed the collective concerns of the governors on the rising insecurity in the region.

The Governor spoke while receiving a comprehensive report of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) put together by the Experts’ Committee on insecurity in Northern Nigeria, as part of the outcomes of the recently conducted roundtable meeting in Abuja.

Governor Yahaya noted the growing impact of insecurity on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, particularly in the agricultural sector, which has led to hike in food prices affecting not only the Northern states, but the entire nation.

A statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General, Press Affairs, said the governor reiterated commitment to tackling the insecurity that has plagued the region, which has hindered farming activities, exacerbated the inflation of food commodities and general economic challenges faced by the country.

“As Governors, we are deeply concerned about the security situation in Northern Nigeria. This region has the largest portion of the country’s population and is endowed with mineral resources and fertile soil ideal for farming.

“The region’s agricultural strength plays a significant role in ensuring food security in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the current insecurity is disrupting these activities, contributing to the rising cost of food commodities, which affects all Nigerians, not just those in the North.”

He disclosed that the NSGF’s response under his leadership, plans to convene an expanded meeting, which will bring together all relevant stakeholders, including past and present leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society organizations, to discuss and implement strategies aimed at restoring the glory of the region.

“This time around, we want to take a collective approach to the insecurity issue.

“This report is timely. We will study it and work together towards its implementation. We are currently planning to convene an expanded meeting with all critical stakeholders in the region to further explore how we can come together to propose solutions that will genuinely address these problems completely.”