Amid a surge in deadly attacks across Nigeria, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) is calling for urgent recruitment of security personnel and the adoption of technology-driven strategies to curb insecurity.
The Forum, chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, issued a communiqué after a meeting held in Abuja, which was read by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
As part of immediate actions, the governors have set up a committee to collaborate with heads of security agencies to develop a coordinated response to the rising violence.
This follows a string of deadly attacks in recent weeks, including the killing of at least 15 people on March 9 in Benue State’s Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, and a more recent April 14 assault in Zike hamlet, Plateau State, where 52 people, including a family of eight, were confirmed dead.
Uzodimma said the Forum welcomed a presentation from Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who proposed a national security initiative focused on early threat detection, advanced surveillance, and crisis response infrastructure.
The governors expressed strong support, highlighting the importance of integrating technology in the fight against insecurity.
The governors also received a briefing from the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who advocated a federal-state partnership for land reforms.
His proposal aimed at formalising land ownership and boosting state revenue through improved land registration.
A presentation on a proposed partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited was also discussed.
Under this initiative, Powercom would take over select electricity distribution operations, implement smart grid technologies, and establish a meter production facility.
The Forum noted the plan’s potential to enhance electricity supply, create jobs, and reduce financial burdens on states.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, speaking to journalists, stressed the need for constitutional reform to allow state policing, which he believes is key to managing security at the local level.
He dismissed claims that ongoing killings were a failure of leadership, pointing instead to constitutional limitations.
“It’s not an indictment. We have limited roles under the Constitution.
But we must still take responsibility,” he said.
Sani also highlighted progress in Kaduna under his leadership, noting nearly 20 months of peace without religious or communal violence. “Leaders must lead by example.
There are people who benefit from division—ethnic, religious, or political. We must not let them win,” he concluded.