The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), a body comprising governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria, convened a two-day strategic meeting in Benin City, Edo State, to solidify their support for President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and chart a course for the nation’s socio-economic development. Hosted by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the meeting concluded with a comprehensive communiqué outlining the governors’ commitment to collaborative governance, economic revitalization, and strengthened security measures. The forum also welcomed Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, into the APC fold, signifying growing national acceptance of President Tinubu’s policies.
A key focus of the meeting was a thorough assessment of Nigeria’s current economic, social, security, and political landscape. The governors expressed satisfaction with the renewed synergy between federal and state governments, particularly in prioritizing fiscal reforms, food security initiatives, energy transition strategies, infrastructural modernization, and revitalization of the social sector. While acknowledging positive economic indicators, the PGF emphasized the need to broaden the impact of growth by increasing investments in areas such as food security, job creation, poverty eradication, support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthening social safety nets.
Recognizing the pivotal role of sub-national governments in economic renewal, the governors pledged to further decentralize economic activities, in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution, to promote the well-being of the citizenry. They lauded the increase in fiscal transfers to states and the growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects, noting significant domestic and foreign direct investments attracted by several APC-led states. The PGF committed to enhancing governance and investor confidence by professionalizing procurement processes, implementing digital governance systems, and strengthening regulatory frameworks to facilitate infrastructure development, boost productivity, and drive inter-state competitiveness.
Security concerns were also addressed, with the governors commending the efforts of security agencies to combat crime and protect national sovereignty. They reiterated their support for inter-agency collaboration, community policing initiatives, and grassroots intelligence systems, while advocating for increased investment in surveillance infrastructure and improved welfare for frontline security personnel. The PGF expressed condolences to families affected by insecurity, especially in Benue and Niger States, and reaffirmed their commitment to support President Tinubu’s national security architecture.
Internal party matters were also discussed, including the recent influx of high-profile members into the APC, further solidifying the party’s position as a dominant political force in Nigeria. The resignation of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was acknowledged as part of the party’s ongoing evolution. The PGF emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement in service delivery and democratic inclusion, advocating for strengthened local governance structures. They reaffirmed their faith in a united, just, and prosperous Nigeria, pledging to work collaboratively to implement bold reforms, build institutional trust, and accelerate socio-economic development across all regions.
The governors pledged their unwavering commitment to APC values and vowed to leverage technology, innovation, and inter-governmental collaboration to drive Nigeria’s transformation from the grassroots level upward. They urged all Nigerians, both within the country and abroad, to unite behind President Tinubu and the APC as the nation strives towards a more secure, inclusive, and progressive future. The meeting concluded with a moment of silence in honor of the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata of Kano State, a respected national leader whose passing was announced by Governor Uzodimma. The PGF’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and their collaborative approach to governance signal a concerted effort to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges and foster sustainable development.
