By Femi Oyelola,Kaduna
Northern State Governors have re-launched the Northern Nigeria States Governors’ Forum with a renewed commitment to unity, security, and development. They describe regional collaboration as the only way to solve the crisis troubling the North.
The governors, led by the Forum Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, commissioned a temporary secretariat for the Forum in Kaduna on July 9, 2026, ending years of relying on the support of the Kaduna State Government.
At the event, Governor Yahaya said the North, which was a major player during the regional government era, had been in “slumber” for too long. This neglect led to the decline of institutions such as NNDC and Arewa Hotels, established by the late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto.
“Sardauna succeeded because there was one North. One North that was united with a common purpose and clear direction, with good leadership that was inclusive and very aggressive in striving for the development of the people,” he explained.
Governor Yahaya pointed out that, with 19 states, multiple political parties, and differing authorities, relationships among Northern states had weakened to the point that “we who are one people ended up fighting one another.”
He cited clashes between farmers and herders across Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Kwara as evidence that “whatever touches one part of the body ends up touching the other.”
He emphasized that poverty, disease, and hunger do not discriminate based on tribe or religion, and that the North must meet its demographic and resource responsibilities.
With the region’s population now estimated at 165 million, of whom 70% are youth, he said planning and development efforts must reflect that reality.
“What we did yesterday was only the starting point. We began a serious effort to restore security and normalcy. And without security, there will be no development. Without development, we will totally collapse,” he stated, referencing Tuesday’s joint meeting of governors and traditional rulers.
Governor Yahaya said the Forum needs to move with synergy, pooling resources to address security, education, healthcare, industrial development, and the challenge of out-of-school children, which affects the North more than any other region.
“That emphasizes the need for us to have synergy, the need for us to collaborate, and the need for us to join resources. Joining resources means everybody contributing their quota and moving towards one direction that will make us achieve our aims and objectives,” he added.
He called on leaders and citizens alike to “wake up” and work harder, noting that Sardauna achieved so much within his 56 years because he was focused and determined. “Let us allow the Sardauna and all our forefathers to rest in peace… the current situation of Nigeria demands that we do more,” he urged.
Also speaking, Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, expressed gratitude to Governor Yahaya for providing leadership and assured that Northern governors are united in tackling the region’s challenges, especially security.
“Some of us are the happiest people today because for so many decades, we didn’t have an office that could accommodate our regional staff… Yesterday, we held a very important meeting, and we have set up committees to ensure that our region’s challenges are addressed,” he said.
The Pioneer Director General of the Forum, Dr. Ezekiel Gomos, said the commissioning of the two-block secretariat, renovated in partnership with NNDC, demonstrated “an expression of seriousness and commitment to work.” He mentioned that the office, comprising Blocks A and B, was in poor condition five months ago but has since been transformed into a functional hub for coordinating regional programs.
“Your excellency, we want to thank you for this leadership. We also want to thank your colleagues for supporting you. We will work hard to ensure that we achieve the goals of the Northern Governors Forum,” Dr. Gomos said.
In his closing remarks, Governor Yahaya stated that plans are already in progress for a permanent secretariat and urged all Northerners to support the Forum.
“Security is key because the safety of life and property is linked to security in education, healthcare, and food. Today, we are under threat because of insecurity; our farmers cannot even go to the farms,” he explained.
“Nobody else can do this for us. It is we, and especially the leaders, who can provide the path and ensure success.”
The event was attended by Deputy Governors of Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna, representatives from Adamawa and Bauchi, and other regional stakeholders.
