In a move to stem the tide of insecurity threatening the socio-economic fabric of Northern Nigeria, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has officially inaugurated the Board of Trustees for the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund. The initiative mandates each of the 19 northern states, in collaboration with their respective local governments, to contribute ₦1 billion monthly for one year to bolster regional security.

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, set a resolute tone during the inauguration. Addressing the gathering, Governor Yahaya underscored that the fund is not intended to be another layer of administrative stagnation.

“Let me state clearly that the Trust Fund is not intended to become another layer of bureaucracy. It must not be allowed to become an administrative structure that merely holds meetings. Rather, it must function as a focused, responsive and credible platform for resource mobilisation, strategic support, alignment and coordination,” Yahaya stated.

He further emphasized the gravity of the crisis, noting, “If we are to win this battle, we must match our words with action, our concerns with resources, and our resolutions with proper implementation. Security is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a collective duty, and every stakeholder has a role to play.”

The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, lauded the initiative as a long-overdue response to the region’s challenges. He pledged the total commitment of the traditional institution to the success of the Board of Trustees.

“We assure you of our total support. Reach out to us at any time. We know our people, we know our communities, and we are ready to work hand in hand with you and the governors to make life easier and more peaceful for everyone,” the Sultan remarked.

The monarch also issued a poignant reminder regarding the root causes of unrest, urging governors to prioritize education. “Governors need to invest more resources in education because education remains the key to our future,” he added, cautioning against the stigmatization of out-of-school children.

Missing Perspectives:

The Gender and Diaspora Gap

While the Board of Trustees comprises highly experienced former military and intelligence personnel, the composition has sparked critical conversations regarding inclusivity and the breadth of expertise required to solve modern security challenges.

A Notable Absence of Women:

Observers have noted the striking lack of female representation on the 19-member board. Given that women are the primary anchors of family upbringing and are often the first to witness the early signs of radicalisation or social deviance within the home, their exclusion from this strategic committee is seen by many as a missed opportunity. Integrating the feminine perspective is widely viewed as essential for a holistic, community-centered security strategy that addresses the upbringing and social rehabilitation of youths.

Furthermore, the committee lacks representation from the Nigerian Diaspora. Experts argue that including individuals with international security experience, global insights into intelligence gathering, and exposure to modern technological security frameworks could have provided the Board with critical alternative viewpoints and a broader, more sophisticated toolkit to combat modern transnational threats.

BOARD of TRUSTEES APPOINTMENTS.

The board is co-chaired by

Alhaji Mahmoud Yayale Ahmed, CFR, and General Martin Luther Agwai, CFR.

The appointed members include:

Lt Gen. Umar Farouk Yahaya (rtd) – Former Chief of Army Staff

DIG Hafiz Mohd Inuwa (rtd) – Research & Statistics, Force HQs

AVM Kabiru Aliyu (rtd) – Director of Sports, Defence HQs

Prof. Usman Tar – Commissioner for Security, Borno State

AVM Napoleon Bali (rtd) – Senator of the Federal Republic

Maj. General A. M. Dikko (rtd) – National Center for Control of Small Arms & Light Weapons

AIG Sunday Babaji (rtd) – AIG FCID Annex Kaduna

AVM Farouk Omeiza Umar (rtd) – Chief of Policy and Plans, Defence HQs

Maj. Gen. Muhammad Sani (rtd) – Chief of Army Standards & Evaluation

Muhammad Mujtaba Isa – Former Head of Service, Zamfara

Alh. Adamu Tanko Umar – Chief Superintendent of Customs (rtd)

Malam Abubakar Mustafa – Former Head of Service, Kaduna

DIG Sani Usman Mohammed (rtd) – CSO, Bauchi State

Maj-Gen. Bello Sarkin Yaki (rtd) – Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Center

Barr. Boss Mustafa, CFR – Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation

Alhaji Falalu Bawale – Head of the Civil Service, Katsina

Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Bolakala Agbab (rtd) – Chief of Staff, 82 Division

Maj. Gen John Seyina Malu (rtd) – Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation

IGP Usman Alkali Baba (rtd) – Former Inspector General of Police

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