Communique from the 1st Meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) – 19th February 2025

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at its inaugural meeting of the year, deliberated on several key issues that impact the development and progress of the country. The following points summarize the outcomes of the meeting:

1.     Engagement with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria

The Forum engaged with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, who outlined a vision for a stronger and mutually beneficial partnership between Nigeria and the United States. This shift away from a donor-recipient model to one based on collaboration emphasizes economic opportunities for Nigerians. The Ambassador shared four priority areas that will guide U.S.-Nigeria relations:

o      Enhancing trade and improving the business environment to attract investments and stimulate economic growth.

o      Promoting transparency and accountability in governance to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions.

o      Supporting subnational governments to foster development at the state level.

o      Establishing sustainable, Nigeria-led health programs to ensure long-term impact and resilience.

Governors welcomed these initiatives and emphasized the importance of state-level involvement in achieving economic and social development. The Forum expressed optimism about deepening cooperation with the U.S. on these shared priorities.

2.     Briefing on the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) Scale-Up

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs briefed the Forum on the expansion of the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP), which is scaling up from its initial implementation in six states to a nationwide initiative. The project aims to empower women economically through Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), livelihood grants, and capacity-building programs, in alignment with the national goal of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty. Governors expressed strong support for this initiative, recognizing the vital role of women in the nation’s socio-economic development.

3.     Collaboration with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (COSLON)

The Forum engaged with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (COSLON) to discuss strengthening collaboration between COSLON and NGF. Key areas of focus included ensuring that subnational perspectives are well-represented in the ongoing constitutional review process. COSLON also updated the Forum on its partnership with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to digitize State Houses of Assembly, with the aim of enhancing legislative efficiency and transparency. Governors reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with state legislatures to advance governance reforms and ensure the effective implementation of policies at the subnational level.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering national development through enhanced cooperation between the federal government, state governments, and other stakeholders. Governors expressed confidence in the collective efforts to address the country’s challenges and promote sustainable growth for all Nigerians.