The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has reiterated its commitment to working with state Houses of Assembly to advance governance reforms and ensure effective policy implementation at the sub-national level. In a communique signed by its chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, on Thursday following its meeting on Wednesday night, the forum emphasized its dedication to driving these reforms through strategic collaboration.
Gov. AbdulRazaq explained that the forum engaged with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (COSLON) to discuss key issues, including strengthening the synergy between COSLON and the NGF and ensuring that subnational perspectives are well represented in the ongoing constitutional review process. “COLSON also informed the forum of their partnership with Development Finance Institution to digitise the state houses of assembly. This is aimed at enhancing legislative efficiency and transparency,” he stated.
The forum further noted that the governors had engaged with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., who shared his vision for a renewed and dynamic partnership between Nigeria and the United States. According to AbdulRazaq, Mills highlighted a shift from a donor-recipient model to one of mutual collaboration and underscored the importance of fostering economic opportunities for Nigerians. “The ambassador outlined four key priorities that would guide U.S. engagement with Nigeria, including enhancing trade and improving the business environment to attract investments and drive economic growth. Promoting transparency and accountability in governance to strengthen institutions and supporting subnational governments to bolster development at the state level. Also establishing sustainable, Nigeria-led health programmes to ensure long-term impact and resilience,” he said.
The governors welcomed this renewed approach and emphasized the critical role of states in driving economic and social development. “The forum looked forward to deepening cooperation with the U.S. on those shared priorities,” AbdulRazaq affirmed.
In addition, the forum received a briefing from the Minister of Women Affairs on the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) Scale-Up, which is expanding nationwide from its initial implementation in six states. The project is designed to support women’s economic empowerment through Women Affinity Groups, livelihood grants, and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to the goal of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.
NAN
