The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has voiced strong disapproval regarding the Northern governors’ agreement to each donate N1 billion monthly to the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund (NNSTF). Luka Binniyat, speaking for the group, argued that governors should prioritize utilizing those funds to bolster security within their specific states rather than pooling resources into a regional initiative.
While the MBF supports initiatives like State Police and efforts to curb terrorism and kidnapping, they view the NNSTF as a problematic endeavor. The forum highlighted that the Middle Belt has endured significant loss of life and property, claiming that Northern governors have frequently failed to collectively address the violence affecting these communities. Furthermore, the MBF alleged that the fund might be a strategy to advance the interests of specific powerful groups rather than addressing genuine security concerns.
The group also contended that the concept of a unified Northern region is an outdated colonial construct. They called upon Middle Belt governors to withdraw from the Northern States Governors’ Forum and instead establish independent security frameworks. The MBF suggested that the proposed funds would be better spent on local intelligence, community defense, and the rehabilitation of displaced persons and infrastructure destroyed by long-standing conflicts.
Finally, the forum expressed concern that such resources could potentially be diverted to support former militants rather than victims. They urged Middle Belt citizens to oppose the contribution, insisting that the priority must be local investment in justice, victim compensation, and direct security improvements to ensure lasting peace.
