The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has reiterated its dedication to enhancing security and safeguarding lives and property at the state level.
Amid rising tensions over a nationwide protest scheduled from August 1 to 10, various groups have expressed intentions to lead demonstrations sparked by increasing living costs and economic hardships faced by citizens.
In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the NGF emphasized the need for robust security measures to protect citizens within their states. This declaration followed a meeting of the Forum early Thursday morning.
The NGF received a presentation from the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Pate, on the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme, providing updates on the Sector-Wide Approach, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, Primary Health Care Revitalisation, and National Supply Chain Management. The governors reaffirmed their commitment to improving health outcomes for all Nigerians.
The communiqué highlighted a briefing from the National Security Adviser’s office regarding the current security situation and the planned protest. The NSA expressed support for the governors in strengthening security frameworks at the state level. The governors expressed gratitude to the NSA and reiterated their commitment to enhancing security.
The Forum also welcomed the new Country Director of the World Bank, Ndiame Diop, and his team, who presented various programmes being implemented in the states, including HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality), Food and Nutrition Security, and SPIN (Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Products). The governors assured their continued support for these programmes.
Additionally, the 36 state governors were briefed by the body of State Attorneys General on the July 11 Supreme Court judgment affirming the financial independence of the 774 local governments. They also received a briefing from the Nigerian Bar Association on recent leadership changes and other initiatives, with the NBA expressing commitment to collaborating with the states in defending democracy and the rule of law. The governors underscored the importance of such partnerships and pledged continued collaboration and support.
