By Na’ima Musa Umar
Northern Nigeria’s drive towards a stronger regional security framework took another significant step at the Banquet Hall of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, on Wednesday as the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund during the joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council.
The gathering drew governors, deputy governors, eminent traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and development partners to examine practical measures for tackling insecurity and promoting peace across Northern Nigeria.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, an initiative established to widen financial support for security operations, deepen cooperation among public institutions and provide a coordinated platform for addressing the region’s evolving security concerns.
Member states also agreed to sustain the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund through monthly contributions of ₦1 billion, a funding arrangement expected to strengthen the implementation of regional security initiatives across Northern Nigeria.
Discussions explored ways of improving cooperation among state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, the private sector and development partners through better intelligence sharing, strategic deployment of resources and stronger community participation.
Attention also turned to the factors driving insecurity, with participants identifying unemployment, poverty, the rising number of out-of-school children and limited economic opportunities as issues calling for practical policy responses. The gathering also welcomed the progress recorded towards the establishment of State Police, describing it as a timely initiative capable of complementing existing security structures through more responsive community-based policing, subject to the necessary constitutional and institutional safeguards. Participants further observed that greater investment in education, agriculture, skills acquisition and youth empowerment would go a long way in building safer and more stable communities.
Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo also used the meeting to highlight Kano State’s multi-dimensional approach to tackling insecurity, drawing attention to community-based policing initiatives, youth-focused intervention programmes and sustained investments aimed at fostering peace, public safety and social stability across the state.
The meeting also expressed support for the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the country while acknowledging measures introduced to improve Nigeria’s security architecture.
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the Security Trust Fund as a practical vehicle for supporting existing security structures. He urged member states to provide the backing required for the initiative to achieve its objectives.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, pledged the continued support of traditional institutions for initiatives capable of restoring peace and stability across Northern Nigeria. He also advocated greater attention to education and youth development as enduring investments in the region’s future.
Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo joined other Northern leaders in inaugurating the Board of Trustees, reflecting Kano State’s participation in regional efforts to broaden support for initiatives aimed at making communities safer and creating an environment where social and economic activities can flourish.
By the close of the meeting, attention had shifted from identifying challenges to charting practical pathways for a safer and more secure Northern Nigeria.
Na’ima Musa Umar is the A/Public Relations Officer, Office of the Deputy Governor, Kano State