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  • Governors promise enhanced security measures during festive season

    Governors promise enhanced security measures during festive season

    State governors have assured of their preparedness to work with the federal government on ways to strengthen measures across the country during the forthcoming festive season.

    The governors made the commitment during the eighth meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held on Wednesday night in Abuja, during which they received a briefing from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)

    This was contained in a communique signed by the Chairman of the NGF and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, but read after the meeting by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.

    The communiqué reads in part, “The forum received a communication from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), calling for heightened security preparedness across all states during the 2025 festive season, due to increased population movements, large public gatherings, and heightened public safety risks. 

    “Governors are committed to strengthening interagency coordination, protecting critical infrastructure, and maintaining a visible security presence in identified hotspots to ensure a safe, incident-free festive period nationwide.

    “The forum received notification from the World Bank confirming the effectiveness of the Additional Financing for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme. 

    “This enables continued disbursements to states to support livelihoods, food security, public works, and resilience-building interventions. 

    “Governors renewed their commitment to sustaining implementation momentum, ensuring timely reporting, and maximising fund utilisation to deliver measurable outcomes for vulnerable households.

    “The forum noted the outcome of the third edition of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Awards, held on 12 December 2025, which recognised thirteen states for outstanding progress in strengthening PHC systems. 

    “Yobe State emerged as the national overall winner, while Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers, and Osun States topped their respective geopolitical zones; Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun States were the first runners-up. 

    “Governors acknowledged that the results reflect the value of sustained political leadership and peer-driven accountability, and committed to building on these gains to further strengthen primary health care delivery nationwide.”

  • NGF to name best performing state in health care Friday 

    NGF to name best performing state in health care Friday 

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) will on Friday, December 12 name the best performing state in the area of primary health care among the nation’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

    NGF’s Director, Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.

    Abdullahi said the initiative tagged: “The Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge,” is a national programme that rewards outstanding leadership by state governors in strengthening primary health care delivery. 

    The challenge, he added, is rooted in the Seattle Declaration of 2019, unanimously adopted by all 36 state governors, and serves as a catalyst for stronger governance, improved financing, and greater accountability in the primary health care sector.

    Abdullahi quoted the NGF’s Chairman and governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as emphasized the significance of the initiative by noting that it “has become a beacon of what strong, accountable leadership can achieve in our health system. It celebrates results, rewards performance, and ultimately delivers better care for our people.

    “This is not just an award ceremony. It is a celebration of impact, accountability, and a commitment to the health and wellbeing of every Nigerian.” 

    The NGF’s spokesman said the event planned for Abuja on Friday, which is the third edition , is in partnership with Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCD) the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with support from the Gates Foundation, has announced the third edition of the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards. 

    Abdullahi said : “The PHC Leadership Challenge aims to fast-track commitments under the Seattle Declaration, reinforce political ownership of PHC outcomes, improve transparency, promote peer learning, and track state progress on commitments outlined in the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative Compact.

    “Governors are assessed using a Performance Monitoring Framework jointly developed by PHC stakeholders and endorsed by all states through the Honourable Commissioners for Health. 

    Read Also: Foundation lifts patients with medical donations worth 12 million naira

    “The PMF covers governance and leadership, financing, quality of care, evidence use, and sustainability, guided by the MAMMS principles. It also incorporates the presidential indicators of the NHSRII.

    “A total of 13 awards will be presented: Two awards for each geopolitical zone, covering Best Performing and Most Improved States; one national award for the Overall Best Performing State; and the award fund for this edition is US$6.1 million. 

    “Winning states will reinvest their allocations directly into strengthening PHC systems.

    “The independent judging panel is made up of eminent public health professionals, the academia, religious and traditional leaders, media and the civil society organisations.

    “These team review the assessment conducted by independent verification agents recruited via the United Nations’ rigorous recruitment system. 

    “The first edition, held on May 17, 2023, saw Borno State emerge as the national champion. Other zonal winners included Kwara, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Ondo.

    “The second edition, held on December 12, 2024, produced Anambra State as the national champion. 

    “Winners in the six zones included Anambra, Rivers, Osun, Yobe, Kaduna, and Kwara, with runners up from Abia, Delta, Lagos, Gombe, Jigawa, and the Federal Capital Territory. Gombe State also received a special innovation award,” Abdullahi said.

  • NGF chair commends Tinubu, says rollback of Benin coup In Nigeria’s best security interest

    NGF chair commends Tinubu, says rollback of Benin coup In Nigeria’s best security interest

    President Bola Tinubu’s deployment of Nigeria’s military assets to swiftly contain and reverse the coup attempt in Benin Republic was an exercise in the best interest of Nigeria, according to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). 

    In a statement on Monday, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq says a successful coup in Benin would have far-reaching consequences on Nigeria, as the militants and hostile non-state actors in the Sahel Region would take advantage to further destabilise Benin Republic. 

    “Apart from admirably acting in support of democracy in the subregion, the President acted in the best interest of our country and West Africa with the intervention. With the Sahel in disarray and dire security conditions, and a significant portion of Benin, especially the W-forest, already infested by the militants, a successful coup would have had devastating effects on our own country due to our proximity to Benin Republic which shares border with many of our states,” it says. 

    The Forum commended the President and the Nigerian Armed Forces for the timely interventions that have helped to restore stability and constitutional order to Benin. 

    “It is our position that democracy, whatever its challenges, remains the best form of government for regional peace, stability, and development,” the Forum says.

    “Subsuing the coup on the invitation of Benin Republic is a big plus for the collective security efforts by ECOWAS in the region and for Nigeria in particular. For instance, security threats on Porto Novo, Cotonou, or Parakou constitute grave security risk to Nigeria, and the President’s firm action is an effective check to this.”

  • NGF, Labour Ministry, others push for gender inclusive leadership in workplace

    NGF, Labour Ministry, others push for gender inclusive leadership in workplace

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as a coalition of advocacy groups, have agreed to work together to eliminate barriers hindering women’s ascension to leadership positions in both public and private organisations.

    They reached an understanding during a meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja at the office of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

    Also present were the Gender Affairs Department of the NGF and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Governors’ Spouses Forum (GSF), Hauwa Haliru; founder of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), Abosede George-Ogan; and founder of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Amina Oyagbola.

    Equally at the event were the Executive Director for WIMBIZ – Women in Management, Business and Public Service – Omowunmi Akingbohungbe; the Executive Secretary of WISCAR, Ekemini Basey Akpakpan, and the Technical Team Lead at the Gender Affairs Department of the NGF, Rachael Pinda.

    Every speaker stressed the need to formalise and standardise the nation’s workforce to eliminate any form of discrimination based on gender, and that a mother is entitled to a minimum of 16 weeks paid maternity leave.

    The Minister of State for Labour and Employment commended those behind the coalition and noted that their vision to promote inclusive leadership by ensuring women’s participation and visibility at all levels of decision-making in the public and private sectors perfectly aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    She argued that gender inclusive leadership is not just about fairness, but a strategic imperative, noting that no nation could expect to achieve sustainable socio-economic development, global competitiveness, or institutional resilience if half of its population is underrepresented in the rooms where critical decisions are made.

    The Minister said her ministry remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian man or woman has an equal opportunity to contribute to national development.

    She added, “We will continue to work collaboratively with this coalition, with state governments, and with the private sector to create a Nigeria where leadership is determined by competence, character, and capacity—not gender.

    “Our ongoing review of labour laws will address gaps that limit women’s participation, including outdated provisions on employment practices, workplace protections, and the enforcement of anti-discrimination standards

    The Ministry fully supports initiatives that promote work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, equitable recruitment processes, and mentorship pipelines for women in the private sector.

    “We are committed to partnering with this coalition to develop gender-inclusive workplace guidelines that will help organizations create environments where women can thrive, innovate, and lead,” she said.

    Ms. Haliru, who spoke about NGF’s efforts in this regard, said the forum has recorded considerable success in getting sub-national governments to buy in on the need to standardise maternity leave.

  • NGF hails Nigeria’s exit from Financial Action Task Force’s grey list

    NGF hails Nigeria’s exit from Financial Action Task Force’s grey list

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed delight over the removal of Nigeria from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

    NGF’s spokesman, Yunusa Abdullahi, in a statement on Saturday, quoted the forum’s Chairman and Kwara Governor,  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as attributing the feat to the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, the 36 Governors and relevant institutions.

    He quoted the NGF Chairman as saying: “We are very pleased with this outcome and proud to see Nigeria formally welcomed back into the global transparency community.

    “Nigeria has handled this difficult situation with enormous grace and integrity and this green light attests to the trust and confidence in our financial systems and our leaders both at the national and sub-national levels.”

    Abdullahi noted the development came after years of thorough investigation and review of Nigeria’s financial systems. 

    He added: “This remarkable result was predicated on the diplomatic and political efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors of the 36 states of the federation, notable institutions like the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, (NFIU).”

    The NGF spokeswoman recalled that the country was placed on the FATF grey list after the global body found deficiencies in Nigeria’s efforts at fighting money laundering and terrorism financing.

    Abdullahi said: “Since then, through a combination of legislative reforms, institutional strengthening and enhanced inter-agency coordination, Nigeria has demonstrated sustained political will to achieve full compliance. 

    “Within that period, key reforms have been achieved including operationalization of the beneficial ownership register, improving of corporate transparency and accountability.

    Read Also: Nigeria edges closer to exiting FATF’s grey list

    “Also, enhanced capacity of intelligence, law enforcement and regulatory agencies in detecting, analysing and prosecuting complex crimes has been achieved. 

    “Throughout this period, the NFIU, CBN, the NGF, representing the sub-national government, and Ministry of Finance availed FATF all the necessary support in providing information to all inquiries which led to this clearance. 

    “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF is fully committed to maintaining the highest ethical financial standard in all its governance and will continue to uphold a culture of transparency, accountability and integrity,” he said.

  • NGF, NCC agree on mutual efforts to boost digital economy

    NGF, NCC agree on mutual efforts to boost digital economy

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have agreed to collaborate on ways to enhance broadband connectivity and safeguard critical national information infrastructure (CNII) across the 36 states.

    This was revealed during a visit to the secretariat of the NGF in Abuja by a delegation from the NCC, led by its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Aminu Maida.

    The delegation was received by the Director General of the NGF, Mr. Abdulateef Shittu, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by NGF’s spokesman, Yunusa Abdullahi.

    The statement said Maida commended the NGF for its willingness to collaborate with his organisation and praised its willingness to engage with the NCC, which he noted “reflects a shared belief in the impact digital solutions can have on subnational development.”

    Maids emphasised the critical need for alignment between national and subnational digital infrastructure, describing it as a “game changer” for Nigeria’s digital economy.

    He dwelt on the current challenge relating to the Right of Way (RoW) fees, currently set at N145 per linear meter, which the NCC boss described as a significant burden on telecom companies.

    Maida urged states to waive or reduce these fees to facilitate fibre optic deployment, stating, “The Right of Way is a critical element in opening up the digital economy, and this lies within the purview of the states.”

    The statement quoted the NGF’s DG as highlighting the centrality of broadband and secure infrastructure to state development.

    Read Also: NGF set to publish Investopedia

    Shittu was further quoted as saying: “Broadband and secure information infrastructure are no longer optional inputs to development. They are foundational public goods.”

    He noted that while Nigeria has seen rapid growth in connectivity, national broadband penetration remains below the level needed for inclusive digital transformation.

    The NGF’s DG proposed four pragmatic areas for deepened partnership with the NCC – institutional alignment through State Broadband Coordinating Councils, policy harmonisation to standardise RoW rules, CNII resilience through state-level protection plans, and information sharing to enhance capacity building.

    The DG pointed to the World Bank’s SABER initiative as a model for success, citing states that have harmonised RoW fees, adopted coordinated trenching practices, and waived onerous fees to attract private investment.

    He added, “These policy choices have produced rapid increases in fibre kilometres and improved access to high-capacity networks,” he said, highlighting the socio-economic benefits, including improved productivity, job creation, and expanded access to education and health services.

    Both leaders emphasised the economic potential of enhanced connectivity. Dr. Maida noted that easing RoW barriers would enable telecom companies to create more value chains, benefiting citizens and increasing tax revenues for states.

    Mr. Shittu reinforced this, stating: “Expanded fibre coverage raises productivity, supports job creation, broadens access to education and health services, and enlarges the taxable base available to state governments.”

    The NGF proposed leveraging the upcoming NCC Business Roundtable to convert commitments into concrete state-level pledges. “I further propose that the NGF and the NCC jointly convene a series of follow-up workshops to translate best practices from leading states into implementable toolkits for lagging ones,” the DG noted, advocating for measurable targets and clear timelines.

  • NGF plans initiative to promote investment opportunities in states

    NGF plans initiative to promote investment opportunities in states

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum 

    (NGF) will on Tuesday in Abuja unveil a novel initiative intended to promote investment opportunities in the nation’s 36 states.

    The initiative, tagged: “The NGF Investopedia,” is designed as a comprehensive platform meant to spotlight investment opportunities in all the 36 states. 

    NGF’s Director, Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi said, in a statement, that the initiative was informed by the need to bridge existing gap between Nigeria’s untapped potential and global capital.

    Abdullahi added that the initiative  

    is meant to address existing challenges of low investor confidence and fragmented entry points by transforming how subnational projects attract funding and position the country 

    as a coordinated and credible destination for high-impact investments. 

    The statement read in part, “Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has long grappled with barriers to investment at the state level. 

    “Frequent government transitions create uncertainty, while poor project visibility and weak preparation deter potential backers. 

    “Despite trillions in global pension funds, sovereign wealth, and development capital waiting to be deployed, the absence of a trusted mechanism has left many viable projects on the shelf because ‘Nigeria lacks a trusted, 

    coordinated vehicle to efficiently absorb and deploy this capital.

    “Enter the NGF Investopedia: a flagship biennial publication that curates multi-sector projects, from infrastructure to agriculture, complete with data-driven analyses, policy incentives, and 

    market insights. 

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    “More than just a glossy compendium, it is envisioned as a ‘one-stop shop’ for investors – available in high-quality print and as a dynamic digital platform for matchmaking and transactions, hosted by the NGF.

    “The Investopedia is designed to attract international investor interests and amplify Nigeria’s appeal on the world stage, hitting key forums like the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria, the 

    UN General Assembly in New York, and the Africa Investment Forum in Morocco. 

    “This international push aims to ‘position the NGF as a credible investment conduit,’ showcasing, not just opportunities, but practical pathways for engagement.

    “Strategic goals are clear and multifaceted: positioning the NGF as an interface with global 

    investors, institutionalising subnational visibility, and mobilising partnerships for sustained support.

    “Looking ahead, the NGF outlines a robust post-launch roadmap. Investment clinics for government-to-government and business-to-government matching are slated for the third and fourth quarters of 2025 and into 2026, alongside capacity-building programs on public-private partnership (PPP) 

    structuring and risk mitigation.” 

  • CJN, NGF pay tributes to ex-President Buhari

    CJN, NGF pay tributes to ex-President Buhari

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Monday paid tributes to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun, in a statement, said the deceased ex-president’s life “was defined by duty, discipline and a remarkable consistency of purpose.”

    Also, the NGF, in a statement by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the late former President Buhari’s life “was defined by courage, duty, and unshakable patriotism.”

    The statement by the CJN reads: “I received with sadness, but with gratitude to God for a life well lived, the news of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari (1942–2025).

    “I commiserate with his immediate family, the government and people of Katsina State, and indeed all Nigerians, on the loss of a statesman who served his country, first as military Head of State, and later as a democratically elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “President Buhari’s life was defined by duty, discipline, and a remarkable consistency of purpose.

    “His unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project, despite personal and political setbacks, stands as a lasting testament to his resilience and belief in the nation’s potential.

    “In a time of shifting values, his example reminds us of the importance of perseverance, principles, and public service.

    “I urge all Nigerians to reflect on his legacy and draw inspiration from his dedication to national development. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

    The statement by the NGF Chairman reads: “On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), I extend our deepest condolences to Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Buhari family, the Katsina State government and indeed the nation, on the passing of our former Head of State and two-term President, His Excellency General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

    “President Buhari’s life was defined by courage, duty, and unshakable patriotism. From the battlefield to the State House, his legacy is etched in our national consciousness as a soldier-statesman who gave his all in service of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Buhari led with honesty, resolute commitment to national service – Buratai

    “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum witnessed firsthand his deep commitment to national unity and inclusive governance.

    “His leadership, often under immense pressure, reflected a quiet strength and deep resolve to preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and future.

    “Nigeria has lost a titan. We will honour his memory not only in words but by carrying forward the values of selfless service, national interest, and moral rectitude that defined his life.

    “May Almighty God grant eternal rest, console his family, and give our nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

  • NGF Chair leads condolence visit to Jos, appeals for peace

    NGF Chair leads condolence visit to Jos, appeals for peace

    Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Governor of Kwara State Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Thursday led a delegation of the Forum to commiserate with the government and people of Plateau over the recent violence in parts of the State.

    While commiserating with the families of the victims, he also commended the interventions of the security agencies, which prevented further escalations.

    The NGF delegation was received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

    The delegation comprised Governors of Borno, Bauchi, Benue, Oyo and Deputy Governor of Nasarawa  State.

    Read Also: FIRS, NGF partner to boost revenue, economic growth

    Speaking during the visit, Abdulrazaq said: “On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the people of our states, I bring you sincere words of condolences on the unfortunate events in which many of our compatriots have lost their lives. 

    “We call on leaders and influencers across all communities and sectors in Plateau to join His Excellency in the task of uniting the people and restoring sustainable peace. Leaders, including youth leaders, should come together to speak strongly against violence of any kind. We urge that we resolve our differences through dialogue, fair negotiations, mutual respect, and perspective taking. 

    “Sustainable development can be a mirage in an atmosphere of tension and violence. Plateau is full of potentials especially in agriculture and tourism. But these potentials could be affected negatively if we allow violence or threats of it to define how people see our communities. 

    “We commend His Excellency the Governor for his leadership at this critical moment. Our visit is to express our solidarity with His Excellency and the government and good people of Plateau State. We pray to God Almighty to repose the souls of the victims and restore peace to our communities.”

  • Why NGF is silent on Rivers crisis, by DG Shittu

    Why NGF is silent on Rivers crisis, by DG Shittu

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has explained why it has not commented on the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State.

    The NGF’s Director General, Abdulateef Shittu explained that “as a technical and policy hub, comprising governors elected on different platforms, the body (NGF) elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.”

    Shittu explained his organisation’s position in a statement issued on Saturday.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has received media enquiries requesting it to comment on some recent political developments in the country. 

    “The forum wishes to clarify that it is an umbrella body for subnational governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the people. 

    “As a technical and policy hub comprising Governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests. 

    “In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history — just a few years after the Forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members. 

    “Regardless, the Forum is reputed for its bold positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences, such as wages, taxes, education, and universal healthcare, among others. 

    “We call for the understanding of the public and the media, confident that appropriate platforms and crisis management mechanisms would take care of any such issues.”