The North-West Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, has officially introduced the North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework, a strategic initiative for coordinated regional action covering the period from 2026 to 2030.
According to a statement released by Radda’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the framework was formally presented during the Forum’s third meeting, which took place in Abuja. Governor Radda emphasized that consistent collaboration and a shared sense of duty among the states are crucial for overcoming the security and development hurdles faced across the region.
He highlighted that the framework is designed to confront multifaceted issues such as insecurity, organised criminal activities, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, all of which necessitate integrated and collective solutions. "This framework outlines our collective vision and key priorities. It is now imperative that we act decisively to achieve concrete outcomes for our citizens," Radda stated.
The forum chairman expressed his appreciation for the technical and financial backing provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recognizing the organization as a vital partner in advancing peace, security, and development within the North-West.
The governors also deliberated on enhancing the functionality of their Secretariat. They approved a governance structure that requires the Director- General to submit work plans to the chairman for review before presenting them to the members for final approval.
Furthermore, the Secretariat was directed to guide member states on regional priorities to ensure that planning and budgeting processes are harmonized. This aims to foster better alignment across the states.
Regarding humanitarian efforts, the forum noted the progress made by Katsina and Zamfara States in adopting the National Internally Displaced Persons Policy and their respective State Action Plans. Other states were encouraged to implement similar measures.
The governors also mandated the Secretariat to collaborate with State Statisticians-General to improve regional data systems, thereby supporting evidence-based planning and decision-making.
The forum received an update from the North-West Development Commission. Concerns were raised regarding operational challenges impacting the commission’s effectiveness, leading to a call for strict adherence to its established rules and regulations. The forum indicated that unresolved issues might be escalated to the President if necessary.
The Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, presented the “Energise Commercialisation Now” initiative. This federal programme is designed to stimulate innovation, industrialisation, and export development across the states.
The forum welcomed this initiative and instructed the minister to work closely with the Secretariat to ensure the full engagement of all member states.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the governors to foster stronger regional cooperation, improve governance, and accelerate socio- economic progress throughout the North-West geopolitical zone.
Attendees at the meeting included the governors of the seven North-West states, alongside representatives from development partners and key regional and federal institutions.
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