Concerned about the worsening security situation across Northern Nigeria, the region’s governors and traditional rulers have proposed suspending all mining activities for six months.
The decision was reached at a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna on Monday, December 1.
Chaired by Gombe State Governor and NSGF Chairman Muhammadu Yahaya, the meeting brought together all 19 northern governors and the chairmen of the traditional councils from the 19 states.
The leaders cited rising violence, including killings and abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano, as well as renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe, as key factors behind their proposals.
“The Forum extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the governments and people of the affected states,” the communiqué said, describing attacks on schoolchildren and other citizens as “unacceptable tragedies” requiring urgent collective action.
The regional leaders praised President Bola Tinubu for the federal government’s “firm response” to recent abductions, including the rescue of some schoolchildren, and also commended security agencies for their sacrifices on the frontlines.
A major outcome of the meeting was a renewed push for the establishment of state police.
Governors and traditional rulers emphasized that decentralized policing is now essential to tackle insecurity effectively.
“The Forum reaffirms its wholehearted support and commitment to the establishment of state police,” the communiqué said, urging federal and state lawmakers to expedite its implementation.
Suspension of Mining and Security Fund
The leaders also linked illegal mining to the region’s security challenges.
They recommended a six-month suspension of mining activities and a revalidation of all mining licenses in consultation with state governors.
Additionally, the Forum resolved to establish a regional Security Trust Fund, with each state contributing N1 billion monthly, to support security efforts.
The communiqué concluded by noting that the Forum would reconvene at a later date to review progress.
Signed:
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON
Governor of Gombe State / Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum.
