Governors of the northern region of Nigeria December 15, 2023 rose from their maiden meeting since their swearing in May 2023 with a resolve to foster the region’s development through renewed commitment to enhanced security, peaceful coexistence for economic development, youth employment, reduction of drug abuse and revitalization of education at all levels.
The forum also resolved to collectively fastrack regional cooperation and integration through investments in infrastructure, human capital development, trade, commerce, agriculture, environment, digital economy and cultural exchanges.
The Forum commended the Federal Government for the renewed vigour in the fight against insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and terrorism bedeviling the region and resolved to remain united in their commitment to address those challenges through enhanced collaboration with security agencies, strengthening local law enforcement, community engagement, adoption of modern technology and administrative reforms, as well as addressing the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment and deepening social inequality.
The northern Governors further recommitted themselves to the reinvigoration of the New Nigerian Development Company (NNDC). The forum therefore constituted a committee to review the report of an eelier committee on the corporation’s operations with a view to repositioning the company for greater productivity and profitability.
Expressing concern for victims of the December 3, 2023 drone attack on a settlement in Kaduna State, the forum resolved to support the Kaduna State Government and victims of the unfortunate incidence. To this end, the northern Governors presented a cheque for N180m to the Kaduna State government to help in assuaging the suffering of members of the Tudun Biri community.
Earlier, host and Kaduna Governor Uba Sani appealed for religious and ethnic harmony among people of the north, pointing out that it is the only way to foster unity and development of the region.
Sani expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, his colleague Governors across the nation and Nigerians in general for their overwhelming sympathy over the recent drone attack on the Kaduna settlement in the State.
Also addressing the gathering, Governor of Gombe State, and current forum Chairman Alhaji Inuwa Mohammed Yahaya called on the northern Governors to expedite action on the provision of security in the region, emphasizing that it is the only way to ensure meaningful development in the region, adding that security is intrinsic to development of agriculture and infrastructural development, and stressed that this can only take in an atmosphere of peace.
The Governor called on all segments of the north to intensify efforts to foster unity through collaboration in matters of security, community mobilization and dialogue.
He also charged his fellow northern Governors to intensify efforts to reinvigirate the NNDC to enable the organization realize the objectives for which it was established in 1949.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia expressed joy that he was able to attend his first meeting of the northern Governors. He reemphasized the need for governors of the region to unite in the interest of its development as well as that of the Nigerian nation at large.
At least twelve States were represented by their Governors or Deputy Governors while a few were represented by his SSG.
The full text of the communique reads:
COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF THE NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS’ FORUM HELD ON FRIDAY, 15TH DECEMBER, 2023 AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, SIR KASHIM IBRAHIM HOUSE, KADUNA
1.The Northern States Governors’ Forum under the leadership of the new
Chairman His Excellency, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, CON, held its inaugural meeting today Friday, 15th December, 2023 at the Council Chamber, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
2.The Forum commiserated with the Government and people of Kaduna State over the unfortunate bombing incident at the Tudun Biri Community of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State during which some members of the community lost their lives and properties while others who sustained various degrees of injuries are currently receiving treatment in various Hospitals. The Forum prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and speedy recovery of the injured. The Forum prayed for God to grant the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss and appreciated the Kaduna State and Federal Governments for the way and manner they handled the unfortunate incidence so far.
3.The Forum resolved to work collectively to ensure that the tragic incidence is thoroughly investigated with a view to compensating victims and taking corrective measures to prevent future occurrence.
4.The Forum resolved to vigorously pursue the collective interest of the North in areas of enhanced security, peaceful coexistence, economic development, youth employment, drug abuse and revitalization of education at all levels.
5.The Forum commended the Federal Government for the renewed vigour in the fight against insecurity, menace of kidnaping, banditry, communal clashes and terrorism, bedeviling the region. The Forum resolved to stand united in its commitment to addressing those challenges through enhanced collaboration with security agencies, strengthening local law enforcement, community engagement, adoption of modern technology and administrative reforms, as well as addressing the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment and deepening social in-equality.
6.The Forum also resolved to address the environmental challenges affecting Northern Nigeria which is threatening rural livelihood, pushing farmers into conflict with herders and adding to the general level of poverty and insecurity.
7.The Forum further resolved to collectively fastrack regional integration through investment in infrastructure, human capital development, trade, commerce, agriculture, environment, digital economy and cultural exchanges.
8.The Forum received briefing on the activities of the New Nigerian Development Company (NNDC) by the Group Managing Director and accordingly constituted a committee to review the Report of the earlier committee on NNDC operations with a view to repositioning the Company for greater productivity and profitability.
9.The Forum collectively resolved to support the Kaduna State Government and victims of the unfortunate incidence of bombing at Tudun Biri Community, Igabi Local Government Area by donating the sum of One Hundred and Eighty Million Naira (N180,000,000.00) only to the victims.
10.The next meeting of the Forum would be held on 2nd March, 2024.
