Tag: Nigeria Governors forum

The 36 Governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have assured of their commitment to aiding efforts at strengthening subnational support for gender equality and social inclusion in the country.

The Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq gave this assurance in Abuja while announcing the establishment of a new Gender Affairs Department within the NGF to strengthen subnational support for gender equality and social inclusion. 

According to a statement by the Director, Media & Strategic Communications at the NGF, Yunusa Abdullahi, Governor AbdulRazaq spoke while inaugurating the Community of Practice (CoP) for Commissioners of Women Affairs.

The NGF Chairman said the initiative represents a turning point in the country’s commitment to women and girls, adding that it is “a remarkable milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.” 

Governor AbdulRazaq added:, “Our collective efforts have brought together dedication, resources, and strategic initiatives to make gender inclusion an essential component of governance and development at all levels.”

He highlighted the united purpose behind the agenda.l, adding: “Today we unite to further the cause of gender equality and reinforce the institutional frameworks that support women’s empowerment throughout Nigeria.”

The governor noted the importance of the collaborative role of the states in ensuring the programme’s success, adding: “This event marks an important step forward as Commissioners of Women Affairs from every state come together, pooling their expertise and determination to pursue a shared vision for lasting progress.”

The NGF Chairman also disclosed group’s “comprehensive Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategic Plan 2025 to 2029, which is aligned with the National Gender Policy, the National WEE Policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals.”

He added that the same plan outlines ambitious, yet achievable targets for mainstreaming gender perspectives in governance, budget processes, and legal reforms throughout the country.”

Reaffirming the NGF’s role in scaling national programmes, Governor AbdulRazaq said: “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has integrated the Nigeria for Women Programme into state-level plans and priorities. 

“Initially piloted in six states, the program has now expanded its operations to 31 states, reflecting widespread acceptance and implementation across Nigeria,” he added.

The NGF Chairman applauded leading states, stating, “The adoption of the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy at the state level continues to gain momentum, with states such as Kaduna, Kwara, and Lagos leading the way. 

“All other states are committed to domesticating the policy, ensuring inclusion and empowerment in every one of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.”

Earlier, while declaring the event open, NGF’s Director General, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu restated NGF’s commitment to gender equity as a core driver of development.

Shittu said: “I am truly pleased to officially open the inaugural Community of Practice for Commissioners of Women Affairs in Nigeria.

He added: “The NGF remains strongly committed to strengthening gender equity, inclusive governance, and the economic empowerment of women across all states. 

“Sustainable development is impossible when half of the population is left behind, and empowering women creates a multiplier effect that strengthens households, communities, and state economies.”

Shittu noted that the CoP was meant to encourage shared learning and joint action, adding: “Collaboration, not isolation, is the gateway to real progress.

Giving the commitment speech on behalf of the states’ Women Affairs Commissioners, the holder of that portfolio in Cross River State, Edema Irom, described the development as “historic and timely.” 

Irom, who is the Deen of Commissioners for Women Affairs, explained that the event came at a time when “women’s economic empowerment, political inclusion, and improved governance structures are national priorities.”

She outlined five commitments the commissioners will champion: full domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy, stronger coordination with national and development partners, increased representation of women in leadership and the expansion of data-driven programmes such as the Nigeria for Women Project, and the use of the Community of Practice for peer learning and harmonization of state efforts.

She added: “Progress for women and girls is inseparable from the nation’s growth. The commitments made today represent a strong start toward a more inclusive future where women’s participation and potential are fully recognized,” she said.

In her contribution, the Director of Gender Affairs at the NGF Secretariat, Hauwa Haliru, described the CoP as “a collaborative platform established to enhance gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance across all states.” 

Ms. Haliru said the forum creates a space for commissioners to “learn from one another, share best practices, and collectively address shared challenges and opportunities in policy design, implementation, and advocacy for women and girls.”

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She added, “By fostering this network under the leadership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat and in collaboration with the Dean of Women Affairs Commissioners, the COP aims to drive measurable progress on subnational gender priorities.”

On its vision, Haliru said the COP is “a national platform that accelerates results, peer learning, advocacy, and coordinated leadership for advancing women’s economic empowerment, because the platform connects commissioners, leverages shared expertise, and amplifies collective influence.”

She detailed the objectives of the COP, noting that it will facilitate the exchange of best practices and policy lessons, organize trainings, drive coherence in gender-related policies, promote collaboration with key stakeholders, develop joint monitoring strategies, and showcase innovative solutions for tackling emerging issues.

On the platform’s effectiveness, she said the commissioners will “advocate as a group, shaping the national agenda and donor engagement,” with dedicated sessions for troubleshooting, peer learning, and adopting practical solutions. She highlighted key activities such as knowledge sharing sessions, quarterly review meetings, state-to-state mentoring, and rapid response task teams for policy and operational needs.

Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states have agreed to collaborate on removing key obstacles hindering the smooth transportation of food and livestock across the country.

This resolution was reached at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting held Wednesday night in Abuja, with the National Security Adviser, as well as the Ministers of Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation in attendance.

The governors identified unauthorised checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure as major barriers contributing to food price inflation and inefficiencies in the supply chain.

In a communique issued after the meeting and signed by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors also voiced concerns over the World Bank’s failure to fulfil funding commitments under the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme.

They stressed the need for urgent action to improve coordination, reduce logistics costs, and enhance national food security.

It reads: “We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our meeting held today (Wednesday), deliberated on issues affecting the country.

“The forum received a briefing from the National Security Adviser (NSA), accompanied by the Honourable Ministers of Defence,

Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation, on the rising cost of food and livestock transportation across the country.

“The presentation revealed that the proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure are key contributors to price inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply chain.

“The NSA noted that a high-level inter-ministerial committee has been established to address these concerns and has submitted its recommendations for the endorsement of the forum.

“Governors acknowledged the urgency of the matter and expressed commitment to collaborate with federal authorities to streamline levies, dismantle unauthorised checkpoints, and improve the movement of goods across states.

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“The Forum received a presentation from the World Bank on the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme.

“The bank highlighted that states have made significant investments totalling over US$2.2 billion through the NG-CARES delivery platforms, with verified impacts reaching over 17 million direct beneficiaries.

“Governors expressed concern over the non-fulfilment of funding pledges by the bank under NG-CARES 1.0.

“The forum emphasised the need for an amicable resolution between the World Bank and participating states to conclude the first phase of the programme. Before advancing to NG-CARES 2.0, which is designed to build long-term resilience for vulnerable households and enterprises.”

The governors of the nation’s 36 states have agreed to an arrangement that allows for enhanced deployment of technology by the military in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the country.

They announced their support for the initiative after a presentation by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa on Wednesday night at the meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held in Abuja.

The governors, in a communique issued at the end of the meeting and read by Governor Hope Uzodinma, said they support an innovative security initiative of the military, aimed at strengthening national and subnational capacity for early threat detection and coordinated response. 

The communique was signed by the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the NGF, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

It reads in part: “The forum (NGF) received a presentation from the Chief of Defense Staff on an innovative security initiative aimed at strengthening national and subnational capacity for early threat detection and coordinated response. 

“The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management, and public safety. 

“Governors expressed support for the initiative’s objectives and underscored the importance of technology-driven solutions in addressing evolving security challenges at the state level.”

The governors said they elected to closely scrutinise a proposal intended to encourage more private participation in the nation’s electricity sector.

“The forum received a presentation on a proposed strategic partnership with Powercom Smart Grid Nigeria Limited (PSGN) aimed at revitalizing the electricity distribution sector through private sector investment. 

“Under the proposed agreement, PSGN will assume operational control of select distribution companies (Discos), introduce advanced smart grid technologies, and establish a meter production facility to enhance service delivery and energy access across states.

“The forum noted that the partnership seeks to improve electricity distribution efficiency, support job creation through local manufacturing, and relieve states of legacy sector liabilities. 

“Governors received the proposal and would examine the opportunities and benefits therein.”

They also spoke about a collaboration with the Federal Government that is aimed at reforming land administration system in the country.

“The forum received a presentation from the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development on unlocking the economic potential of land through a federal-state partnership for land reform. 

“The Minister outlined ongoing housing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Programme and proposed a comprehensive land registration reform to formalize land ownership, enhance tenure security and boost internally generated revenue across states. 

“Governors welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to catalyze investment, improve urban planning, and enhance land-based revenue generation.”

Speaking while exiting the meeting venue, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State expressed optimism that the rasing wave of killings will spore efforts at actualising the state police concept.

The Kaduna governor suggested the combination of force with non-kinetic approach in the efforts to address the insecurity challenge.

Governor Sani disagreed with the insinuation that the resurgence of killings in some parts of the country was a reflection of the failure on the part of the governors

He noted that by the provision of the Constitution, the governors have limited role to play in relation to security.

The governor was optimistic that the current situation will hasten efforts to ensure that the concept of state police becomes a reality in the country.

“For me, the creation of state police will go a long way in addressing the issue of insecurity, particularly at the sub-national level,” the governor said.

Drawing from his experience, he said it was incumbent on the governors to take steps to address security challenges in their states.

He said: “Take for instance what was happening in Kaduna when I came in. I inherited a system where we had series of communal and religious crises 

But, I can tell you that in the last 18 months, or precisely 20 months since I took over, we have not had one single religious or communal crisis in Kaduna.

“So, for me, I believe that as a leader, you have to live by example, by making sure that you carry everyone along; make sure you handle the problem of insecurity and religious merchants. 

“They are everywhere. They are the people that can only benefit if there is religious, ethnic and communal crisis.

“From where we come from, we have states where we need to address this issue of diversity. And, in Kaduna, we try as much as possible to carry everyone along.”

Governor Uba tasked security agencies, particularly the military to do more.

He suggested that emphasis should be solely on kinetic approach in view of the limited personnel at the disposal of the security agencies.

IHe said: “in my last interview, I made it clear that we do not have enough booths on the ground. But, no matter how we try to address the issue, we have to look at other aspects, particularly looking at non-kinetic approach.

“This is because, when you look at the security agencies in Nigeria, they do not have sufficient men. 

“Look at the military, like I said, we have less than 500,000 military personnel in Nigeria. Look at the entire police force, the entire police personnel in Nigeria is less than 500,000 for a country of over 230,000,000.

‘So, there are a lot of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria – whether in the north, south, everywhere. We have to look at other ways of addressing the issue of insecurity. 

“That is the reason why I believe that we have to work together. We don’t need to blame each other. We have responsibilities. We are leaders. We must address the problem,” he said.