The North-West Governors’ Forum convened a pivotal meeting in Abuja to address the pressing developmental challenges facing the region. The forum, chaired by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, brought together governors from Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa states, alongside senior officials from the United Nations and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The primary focus of the meeting was to strategize and collaborate on initiatives aimed at tackling issues such as the escalating number of out-of-school children, pervasive poverty, and alarming youth unemployment rates. The governors acknowledged the severity of these interconnected challenges and emphasized their commitment to finding sustainable solutions. The presence of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed underscored the international community’s recognition of the region’s predicament and its willingness to support collaborative efforts.
A central theme of the discussions with the UN delegation revolved around strengthening existing partnerships and accelerating the implementation of high-impact interventions. These interventions targeted key areas such as social protection programs, improvements in education access and quality, bolstering food security measures, and adapting to the increasing challenges posed by climate change. The forum recognized the urgency of addressing these issues in a coordinated and efficient manner. The governors expressed their dedication to leveraging the expertise and resources of international development partners to maximize the impact of their efforts. The UN officials provided briefings on the progress of ongoing programs and explored avenues for increased collaboration.
The meeting with the AfDB centered on agricultural development and value chain enhancement. Governor Radda announced the region’s participation in the second phase of the Special Agro-Processing Zones program, expanding upon the initial phase that included Kaduna and Kano states. This expansion signifies a significant investment in the agricultural sector and reflects the forum’s commitment to diversifying the region’s economy and creating employment opportunities. Furthermore, the governors discussed the development of a comprehensive livestock development plan for the region, further highlighting their focus on maximizing the potential of the agricultural sector. This plan aims to improve livestock production, enhance value addition, and facilitate market access for livestock farmers.
Education emerged as a priority area for intervention. The forum recognized the critical need to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve access to quality education. The governors expressed their intent to explore and utilize the resources available through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund to support students from the region. This move signifies a commitment to investing in human capital and empowering the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive global landscape. The forum acknowledged that education is a fundamental driver of socio-economic development and pledged to prioritize initiatives that expand access and improve the quality of education across the region.
To bolster regional coordination and streamline the implementation of development programs, the North-West Governors’ Forum appointed Ms. Maryam Yahaya as its inaugural Director General. Ms. Yahaya’s extensive experience working with international development partners and state governments through the Nigeria Governors Forum Secretariat positions her well to lead the forum’s collaborative efforts. Each state governor also designated a focal person within their respective administrations to facilitate seamless communication and coordination with development partners. This structured approach demonstrates the forum’s commitment to ensuring effective implementation and maximizing the impact of development initiatives.
The governors reiterated their commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives aimed at fostering economic prosperity throughout Nigeria. They affirmed their alignment with the President’s vision and pledged to work collaboratively with the federal government to achieve shared development goals. This demonstrated unity of purpose strengthens the prospects for effective policy implementation and underscores the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in addressing national challenges. The forum’s proactive approach and commitment to collaborative action highlight the potential for meaningful progress in addressing the complex developmental challenges facing the North-West region.
