Toba Owojaiye reporting
Kaduna, Nigeria
A high-profile meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council convened in Kaduna to tackle pressing issues facing the region, with security, economic reform, and infrastructural development taking center stage.
Truth Live News gathered that the forum was chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, gathered governors alongside emirs and chiefs to discuss strategies for enhancing peace and prosperity in Northern Nigeria.
The forum expressed condolences to victims of recent floods in Maiduguri and the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, as well as families affected by terrorism and banditry. The gathering affirmed its commitment to support the Federal Government and other agencies in providing relief and assistance to affected families.
Acknowledging the role of traditional institutions, the governors advocated for increased collaboration between these bodies and security agencies to counter kidnapping, banditry, and communal clashes. “Traditional Institutions are crucial in bridging the gap between government and the people,” the forum declared, underscoring the need for their enhanced involvement in security initiatives.
The forum commended recent security successes, particularly efforts led by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, in eliminating criminal leaders and curbing violence. Yet, it acknowledged remaining challenges, pledging continued collaboration to achieve lasting peace in the region. “The commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff has reshaped security architecture in the country, but more work remains,” the governors noted.
Following recent “End Bad Governance” protests, the forum resolved to address youth restiveness through education, job creation, and skills development. The governors emphasized the need to redirect youthful energy into productive ventures to mitigate crime and social issues.
The meeting also called on the Federal Government to address the ongoing power blackout affecting most Northern states, a result of transmission infrastructure vandalism. The forum highlighted the region’s energy vulnerability and urged investment in alternative power sources and additional transmission lines.
Northern Nigeria’s agricultural potential was spotlighted as a key pathway to economic growth and job creation. The governors vowed to provide farmers with support in financing, modern techniques, and infrastructure improvements, including irrigation systems. “Agriculture can drive industrialization and revive industries such as textiles across the North,” the forum emphasized, advocating for agro-allied industry development.
In support of President Bola Tinubu’s livestock reform efforts, the forum committed to political and financial backing to ensure successful implementation. Leaders agreed to engage with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, believing that reforms will contribute to rural economic stability.
Acknowledging the impact of climate change on recent flooding, the forum resolved to partner with the Federal Government to establish irrigation infrastructure, aiming to protect food security and support rural livelihoods. Additionally, addressing the educational crisis in the region, the forum pledged to tackle the challenges of out-of-school children and improve learning outcomes.
The forum voiced concerns over the proposed Tax Reform Bill, particularly amendments that would shift VAT distribution to a derivation-based model. Such changes, the forum argued, could disadvantage the North, as VAT remittances are based on company headquarters rather than consumption locations. Northern leaders called on the National Assembly to oppose any tax reforms perceived as inequitable.
In light of the country’s economic challenges, the forum appealed to Nigerians for calm, assuring them that both state and federal authorities are working to ease the burden. “The government is implementing measures to cushion the effects of hardship,” the governors stated, urging citizens to remain resilient.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reiterated the forum’s commitment to a united and prosperous North, saying, “The Northern Governors’ Forum supports policies that promote national growth but insists on fairness to avoid marginalization.”