Inuwa Yahaya Rallies Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers for United Action Against Regional Insecurity, Socio-economic Challenges
Kaduna, Nigeria — 2 December, 2025
…NSGF Chairman Warns: “Now Is Not the Time for Politics, but for Survival”
…Reiterates North’s Support for State Policing, Calls on NASS to Treat Matter with Utmost Priority
…“Out-of-School Children Menace Is a Stain on Our Collective Conscience”
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has called for an extraordinary level of unity, courage and collective responsibility to confront the deepening security and socio-economic crises engulfing Northern Nigeria.
Speaking during the Joint Meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna, Governor Inuwa Yahaya underscored the urgency of coordinated and decisive action to safeguard the region’s future.
“Insecurity Is Now an Existential Threat”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya lamented the recent string of abductions across Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kano, Niger and Sokoto States, as well as renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe. He described these developments as grim reminders that insecurity in the North has evolved from sporadic violence into a national, existential danger.
He extended condolences to families and state governments affected by recent tragedies, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring the swift rescue of some abducted schoolchildren.
“Without peace and security, there will be no politics to play, and no state or country to govern,” he declared, noting that terrorists are deliberately targeting schools and farms to cripple the region’s long-term prospects.
Reject Divisive Narratives, Yahaya Urges
Governor Inuwa Yahaya cautioned leaders against sentiments that promote division along religious or ethnic lines. He stressed that the crisis affects everyone.
“Our people, Muslims and Christians alike, are victims of this violence. Our armed forces, drawn from every tribe and faith, are paying the supreme price. We must resist narratives that promote discord. That is exactly what our enemies want.”
He further identified poverty, illiteracy, climate change and weak infrastructure as underlying drivers of insecurity, insisting that sustainable peace demands heavy investment in human capital, livelihoods and regional infrastructure.
Out-of-School Children Crisis: “A Stain on Our Collective Conscience”
A major focus of the meeting was the alarming number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria — the highest in the country and one of the highest globally.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the situation as “a stain on our collective conscience,” warning that millions of children roaming the streets instead of acquiring education represent both a moral failure and a grave threat to development.
“We must move beyond rhetoric. Every child must be in school, and every young person must be equipped for a productive future.”
North Reaffirms Strong Support for State Policing
Reiterating the NSGF’s long-standing position, Governor Inuwa Yahaya renewed the North’s full support for the establishment of state police as a critical step toward addressing the region’s worsening security challenges.
He applauded President Tinubu’s directive urging the National Assembly to expedite constitutional amendments to enable state policing.
He called on lawmakers to treat the matter with “the utmost priority,” emphasizing that local policing is essential for prompt response, community trust and proactive security management.
Everyone Has a Role in Securing the North
The NSGF Chairman stressed that achieving lasting stability requires a collective approach:
Traditional rulers as stabilizers and mediators
Religious leaders as promoters of peace and tolerance
Political leaders as unifiers and developers
Security agencies as proactive protectors
The judiciary as enforcers of swift justice
Citizens as active partners in community safety
“Now is not the time for politics; it is the time to ensure the very survival of the North and Nigeria at large. Let this meeting be remembered as a turning point, one that brought safety, hope, and prosperity to our people.”
Host Governor Uba Sani: “The North Is at a Defining Moment”
In his welcome address, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani described the North as standing at a decisive crossroads, confronted by security, economic and social challenges that demand collective will and innovative solutions.
He praised his colleagues for sustaining the culture of consultation, stressing that shared responsibility is vital to achieving long-term peace and unlocking the region’s full development potential.
Sultan of Sokoto Commends Renewed Commitment
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the NSGF for their renewed commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the North.
As Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, he reaffirmed the firm backing of traditional and religious institutions for ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, strengthen social cohesion and improve citizens’ welfare.
He urged the governors to remain steadfast, united and focused on delivering practical solutions that will restore hope across the region.
Communiqué Expected
The joint meeting is expected to issue a comprehensive communiqué outlining immediate and long-term interventions agreed upon by governors and traditional rulers to address insecurity, education deficits and socio-economic challenges in Northern Nigeria.
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