The Northern Governors’ Forum and the region’s council of traditional rulers have reaffirmed their support for the establishment of state police, urging the National Assembly to fast-track the legislative process required for its creation.

This formed part of the resolutions from their joint meeting held on Saturday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna.

Reading the communiqué at the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, said the governors had resolved to collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to enhance support for federal security agencies. They also pledged to reinforce local security initiatives by establishing inter-state platforms for surveillance along shared borders.

Acknowledging the importance of non-partisan collaboration and peer review in tackling the developmental challenges facing northern Nigeria and the country at large, the forum commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued commitment to addressing insecurity and infrastructural deficits in the region.

In his opening remarks, Governor Yahaya condemned recent attacks and killings in Plateau, Benue, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe states. He called on the Federal Government to review its security strategies, stressing the need for enhanced coordination across federal, state, and local security networks.

According to the forum, the resurgence of Boko Haram in the North-East and persistent violence in the North-Central remain pressing concerns requiring urgent intervention.

“We must work together to tackle the security threats in our region. It is imperative that we strengthen our security measures to safeguard our people,” Yahaya stated, while also highlighting infrastructure deficits, including the abandoned Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line and Kano–Maiduguri expressway.

The Kebbi State Governor advocated for innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships and infrastructure bonds, to bridge the infrastructure gap.

Kaduna State Governor and host of the meeting, Uba Sani, lauded President Tinubu’s efforts, particularly his decision to complete the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano dual carriageway.

“Mr President will be remembered as the leader who heeded the cries of northern Nigerians and acted decisively,” Sani said.

He emphasised the strategic importance of the road, which links the Federal Capital Territory to 12 states across the North-Central, North-West, and North-East zones. The governor stressed the need for a clear roadmap addressing peace, security, governance, and development, urging immediate implementation backed by sustainable funding.

Welcoming his colleagues and traditional leaders, Sani also commended Governor Yahaya and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for their leadership.