Lafia – The 19 Northern Governors have resolved to contribute ₦1 billion each every month to a dedicated security trust fund aimed at tackling the escalating insecurity across the region.
Nasarawa State Governor and Chairman of the North-Central Governors’ Forum, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, disclosed this on Monday during an executive meeting of the Northern Governors’ Forum in Lafia.
According to Governor Sule, the fund will be used to procure advanced security equipment for federal and state agencies and to engage and empower youths as community intelligence and vigilance assets.
In a related development, the Nasarawa State Government announced an immediate six-month suspension of all mining activities in the state, pending verification and revalidation of licences.
Governor Sule explained that unregulated and illegal mining has become a major enabler of banditry and kidnapping in the state and region.
“We are suspending all licences — if Mr. President agrees — so we can separate genuine miners from the illegal ones who generate no revenue for the state and create safe havens for bandits and kidnappers,” he said.
In another key decision, the Forum appointed Chief Ezekiel Gomos, a former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, as the pioneer Director-General of the Northern Governors’ Secretariat.
Chief Gomos will oversee the management of the multi-billion naira security fund and coordinate joint regional responses to insecurity.
The governors also commended Kaduna State for donating a prime plot of land in the state capital for the construction of a permanent secretariat for the Northern Governors’ Forum.
Governor Sule described the monthly ₦19 billion collective contribution and the new institutional framework as historic steps towards restoring lasting peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.
