CNG’s Report And Northern Governors’ Commitment To Addressing Regional Challenges

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) recently presented an extensive report on the security situation in Northern Nigeria to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum.

The report, developed by the CNG’s Experts Committee on Security, is the result of comprehensive consultations and engagements with critical stakeholders across the region, aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of insecurity in Northern Nigeria and devising effective strategies to address the crisis.

For Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the presentation of the report is both timely and crucial, coming at a time when the peace and security of Northern Nigeria are severely under threat. The once peaceful North is now suffering deeply due to the relentless actions of Boko Haram in the North East, rampant banditry and kidnappings in the North West, and clashes between farmers and herders in the North Central region. These crises have resulted in significant loss of lives and destruction of property on a massive scale. For leaders at both the Federal and State levels, these issues represent a grave threat to national security and pose a serious danger to the country’s unity. This is why action must be taken to break the cycle of violence.

The presentation of the CNG’s report to Governor Inuwa Yahaya further contributes to the ongoing efforts by both state and non-state actors to find a lasting solution to the region’s challenges.

Upon receiving the report for onward distribution to his fellow governors, the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum expressed serious concern about the worsening security situation in the North.

Like any leader desirous of peace for social and economic development, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced plans to convene an expanded meeting which will bring together all relevant stakeholders including past and present leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs and civil society organisations to discuss and implement strategies aimed at restoring the glory of the region and by extension Nigeria as a whole. “As Governors, we are deeply concerned about the security situation in Northern Nigeria. This region has the largest portion of the country’s population and is endowed with mineral resources and fertile soil ideal for farming. The region’s agricultural strength plays a significant role in ensuring food security in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the current insecurity is disrupting these activities, contributing to the rising cost of food commodities, which affects all Nigerians, not just those in the North”, the Governor stated.

Giving the passion exhibited by Governor Inuwa Yahaya on receipt of the report, the North and Nigeria as a whole can only await the expanded meeting with high hopes and expectations for a peaceful and prosperous Northern Nigeria which invariably has the potential of stabilising and guaranteeing the nation’s march towards a geometric indices in agricultural production leading to food sufficiency.

Recall that Governor Inuwa Yahaya had earlier articulated a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of insecurity in the region, identifying factors such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and environmental degradation as key contributors to the ongoing crisis.

To tackle these issues, he proposed a “4D” strategy: Development, Defence, Dialogue, and Diplomacy.

Under Development, Inuwa Yahaya emphasised the need for significant investments in infrastructure, education, and job creation to address the underdevelopment that fuels insecurity. In terms of Defence, he called for strengthening the capabilities of security agencies through better training, equipment, and intelligence gathering. Dialogue, according to the Governor, is essential for fostering trust and cooperation among communities, and should involve civil society, religious leaders, and traditional rulers. Finally, he stressed the importance of Diplomacy, particularly in collaborating with neighboring countries to manage cross-border security threats.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also highlighted the issue of drug abuse, which he said exacerbates insecurity in the region, and called for a united effort among all stakeholders to address this and other contributing factors. He urged a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to effectively address the complex security challenges facing Northern Nigeria.

Governor Yahaya also underscored the importance of addressing the issue of drug abuse, which exacerbates insecurity in the region.

He called for a united effort among all stakeholders, emphasizing the need for both kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (non-military) approaches to effectively tackle the complex security challenges facing the North.

Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced plans to convene an expanded meeting of Northern leaders. This meeting, he said, would include past and present leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society organizations to discuss and implement strategies aimed at restoring peace and stability in Northern Nigeria. “As Governors, we are deeply concerned about the security situation in Northern Nigeria,” Yahaya stated. “This region, with its vast population, rich mineral resources, and fertile soil, is crucial to Nigeria’s agricultural strength and food security. However, the current insecurity is disrupting these activities, leading to rising food costs that affect the entire nation, not just the North.”

Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s passionate response to the CNG’s report reflects a strong commitment to addressing the security challenges in the region. The upcoming expanded meeting, anticipated with high expectations, holds the promise of forging a path toward a peaceful and prosperous Northern Nigeria, which is vital for the overall stability and progress of the country. The Governor called on the Federal Government to leverage the insights and recommendations contained in the CNG’s report, and to work in close collaboration with Northern leadership to achieve lasting peace and security, for the benefit of current and future generations of Nigerians.