The Northern States Governors’ Forum has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals Development to suspend mining activities in the region for six months. The move is intended to allow proper audits and consultations with state governments.
According to Leadership News on Tuesday 2 December, 2025, the Forum said illegal mining has become a major factor contributing to insecurity in Northern Nigeria. The communiqué was read by the Forum Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, after a joint meeting with the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna.
The governors also announced the creation of a regional Security Trust Fund. Each state and local government is expected to contribute N1 billion monthly, to be deducted at source under an agreed framework. The Forum stated that unity and cooperation are key to addressing the pressing challenges facing the region.
The communiqué expressed sympathy to the people and governments of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano States following recent killings and abductions of schoolchildren. It also mentioned victims of Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe States.
The governors commended the federal government, led by President Tinubu, for efforts in securing the release of some abducted children and tackling other security challenges. They also praised the sacrifices of security forces battling insurgency across the country.
The Northern Governors urged continued cooperation between federal and state authorities to restore peace and security in the region.