Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, His Excellency Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed that sustained collaboration and shared responsibility are critical to addressing insecurity and development challenges across the region.
Governor Radda stated this at the 3rd Meeting of the North-West Governors’ Forum held in Abuja, where the Forum formally adopted and launched the North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework (2026–2030) as a strategic blueprint for coordinated regional action.
“The Framework provides our shared vision and clear priorities. We must now act with determination to translate this into tangible results for our people,” he said.
He noted that the Framework responds to the complex and interlinked challenges facing the region, including insecurity, organised crime, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, which require integrated and collective action.
The Chairman commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its continued technical and financial support, describing the organisation as a strong partner in advancing regional peace, security, and development.
The Forum also considered matters relating to the institutional strengthening and operational direction of its Secretariat. It approved a governance structure requiring the Director-General to submit work plans to the Chairman for approval prior to presentation to members for ratification. The Secretariat was further mandated to guide member states on regional priority areas to ensure alignment of planning and budgeting processes.
On humanitarian coordination, the Forum noted progress in Katsina and Zamfara States in domesticating the National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy and State Action Plan, and called on other member states to adopt the framework. The Forum also directed the Secretariat to engage State Statisticians-General to strengthen regional data systems for evidence-based planning and decision-making.
The Forum received an update from the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) and expressed concern over operational challenges affecting its effectiveness. It emphasized the need for strict adherence to its governing rules and regulations and resolved that all outstanding issues be addressed urgently, failing which the matter may be escalated to the President.
Following this, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, presented the “Energise Commercialisation Now” initiative, a Federal Government programme aimed at accelerating innovation, industrialisation, and export development across sub-national levels. The Forum welcomed the initiative and directed the Honourable Minister to work closely with the NWGF Secretariat to ensure that all member states are effectively carried along and participate fully.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to strengthened regional collaboration, improved governance, and accelerated socio-economic development across the North-West.
Participants at the meeting included Governors of the seven North-West states, development partners, and representatives of key regional and federal institutions.
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