The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), comprising 36 state governors, has reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with the United States, emphasizing collaboration in economic development, governance, and healthcare.

In a communique released after its meeting in Abuja, NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, highlighted the governors’ dedication to governance reforms and effective policy implementation at the state level.

The forum engaged with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, who outlined a shift from the traditional donor-recipient model to a partnership based on mutual cooperation. The Ambassador identified four key priorities for U.S. engagement with Nigeria:

  • Enhancing trade and improving the business environment to attract investments and stimulate economic growth.
  • Promoting transparency and accountability to strengthen governance institutions.
  • Supporting subnational governments to foster development at the state level.
  • Establishing sustainable, Nigeria-led health programs to ensure long-term impact.

The governors welcomed this renewed approach, emphasizing the vital role of state governments in driving economic and social progress. The NGF expressed its eagerness to deepen collaboration with the U.S. on these shared objectives.

Additionally, the governors urged the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Ibrahim, to expand the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP). Originally implemented in six states, the project focuses on empowering women through Women Affinity Groups, livelihood grants, and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to the national poverty alleviation agenda.

The forum also held discussions with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (COSLON) to strengthen synergy between state legislatures and governors, ensuring state-level perspectives are well-represented in the ongoing constitutional review process.

Furthermore, COSLON briefed the governors on its partnership with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to digitize State Houses of Assembly, aimed at improving legislative efficiency and transparency.

The governors reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with state legislatures to drive governance reforms and ensure the effective implementation of policies at the subnational level.