The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has reiterated its commitment to working with state Houses of Assembly to foster governance reforms and execute effective policies at the sub-national level.
The forum disclosed this in a communique signed by its Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Thursday, after its meeting on Wednesday night.
AbdulRazaq said the forum engaged with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (COSLON) to discuss key issues.
This, he said, included strengthening synergy between COSLON and the NGF, and ensuring subnational perspectives were well-represented in the ongoing constitutional review process.
To improve legislative efficiency and transparency, COLSON also inform the forum about their collaboration with the Development Finance Institution to digitise the state houses of assembly.
He said that the governors had a conversation with Richard Mills Jr., the American ambassador to Nigeria
AbdulRazaq said that Mills shared his vision for a renewed and dynamic partnership between Nigeria and the U.S.
He stated that, while stressing a transition from a donor-recipient model to one of mutual collaboration, Mills emphasised the necessity of creating economic possibilities for Nigerians.
“The ambassador identified four major targets for US engagement with Nigeria, including increasing trade and strengthening the business environment to attract investors and generate economic growth.
“Also establishing sustainable, Nigeria-led health programmes to ensure long-term impact and resilience.
“The governors welcomed the renewed approach and emphasised the critical role of states in driving economic and social development.
“The forum looked forward to deepening cooperation with the U.S. on those shared priorities,” AbdulRazaq stated.
He said the forum also received a briefing from the Minister of Women Affairs on the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) Scale-Up, expanding nationwide from its initial six-state implementation.
The project aimed to support women’s economic empowerment through Women Affinity Groups, livelihood grants, and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to the goal of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
