Credit to Northern governors for NNSTF

The Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF), established by the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) last month, has not received as much public interest and debate as initially anticipated. The NNSTF is a positive example of responsive governance, although it is belated since such a policy should have been implemented sooner.

For over two decades, Northern Nigeria has been plagued by insecurity, including religious insurgency, terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and communal clashes. These issues have had devastating effects on lives, limbs, and livelihoods across the region.

The establishment of the NNSTF represents an important step forward, as it indicates that Northern governors are now responding to public concerns through policy initiatives rather than mere talk. This collective action is essential given that the security challenges in Northern Nigeria are not confined to a single state and often involve the same actors across multiple states.

Furthermore, issues such as the high number of out-of-school children, low private sector investment, and underdeveloped infrastructure in the region also necessitate regional leadership and governance.

The NNSTF demonstrates the potential for collective leadership that can be applied to other areas of regional governance and development. For instance, it could serve as a model for addressing out-of-school children or developing a regional public transport network. Additionally, the NNSTF aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's political reforms, which aim to restore strong regional governance in line with the federal model.

While the idea of state police may be intriguing, it is essential to consider whether a combined policing and military force is the most effective solution for the specific security challenges faced by Northern Nigeria.