The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has convened a crucial meeting with Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers to discuss the ongoing blackout in the northern region and address critical challenges such as security concerns, economic issues, and sustainable development priorities.
Under Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership, the NSGF is focused on creating a unified agenda aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and development by leveraging the North’s resources for long-term growth.
In his opening remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed concerns about power outages caused by the vandalism of critical infrastructure and called for investments in new transmission lines and energy diversification to prevent future disruptions. He emphasized the need to move beyond symbolic meetings, urging the NSGF and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council to devise practical, results-oriented strategies tailored to the unique challenges facing the region.
“The time to walk the talk is now,” he asserted, expressing confidence that unity, determination, and bold leadership could steer the region toward a more prosperous future.
The NSGF Chairman highlighted the importance of collective action, stating that the forum is committed to charting a cohesive agenda that capitalizes on the North’s potential for sustainable growth and stability. While acknowledging recent military successes against terrorists and bandits, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized that lasting peace requires continued collaboration with security agencies and the implementation of recommendations from civil society and regional security committees.
He also reflected on recent protests, underscoring the need for youth empowerment through education, skills development, and employment opportunities to avert future unrest. The Governor advocated for strengthening agricultural infrastructure, supporting farmers, and revitalizing agro-industries, particularly the textile sector, to address food insecurity and drive economic revival.
In light of the recent floods affecting Maiduguri and other areas, Governor Yahaya called for collaboration with federal agencies to build irrigation systems and adopt sustainable environmental practices. He also emphasized the significance of traditional institutions as tools for conflict resolution and community engagement, praising the restructuring of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) as a step toward economic revitalization in the North.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, emphasized the urgent need for a unified strategy to combat insecurity and other regional challenges, stating, “Without security, there will be no development.”
During the meeting, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who led the traditional rulers, highlighted the critical role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and stability in the region
