Nigeria Governors' Forum

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum extends warm Eid El-Fitr greetings to all Muslim faithful across the country. Eid is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the values of compassion, sacrifice, and unity. It reminds us of the strength we find in togetherness and the importance of supporting one another in building a more inclusive and prosperous nation. We commend the spirit of discipline and devotion demonstrated throughout Ramadan, and we encourage all Nigerians to carry forward these virtues in our collective pursuit of peace, progress, and good governance. At the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, we remain committed to fostering policies and partnerships that uplift communities and strengthen national cohesion. May this Eid bring joy to every home, deepen our bonds as one people, and inspire hope for a brighter future. Eid Mubarak.

Happy Birthday to His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah @PNMbah Today presents an opportunity to celebrate a leader whose tenure continues to reflect deliberate action, bold reforms, and a clear focus on building a modern, productive, and future-ready Enugu State. Your administration’s drive across key sectors ranging from infrastructure development and economic expansion to education, technology, and public service delivery speaks to a leadership style grounded in results and long-term impact. Your commitment to reimagining governance, improving ease of doing business, and positioning Enugu as a hub for investment and innovation has not only strengthened public confidence but also set a progressive pace for subnational leadership across Nigeria. The emphasis on accountability, efficiency, and measurable outcomes continues to define a governance approach that is both pragmatic and forward-looking. As you mark this new year, may it bring renewed energy, greater accomplishments, and sustained success in the task of transforming Enugu State into a thriving centre of opportunity and prosperity. May your efforts continue to yield meaningful progress for the people and create lasting value for generations to come.

His Excellency Governor Umar Namadi @uanamadi has reinforced his administration’s commitment to workforce empowerment and economic resilience in Jigawa State with the launch of the third phase of the Civil Servants’ Agricultural Support Programme. Under the newly launched phase, about 3,000 civil servants will benefit from support valued at over ₦1.6 billion, enabling greater participation in dry-season farming and strengthening household income. This builds on the success of earlier phases, where 8,432 beneficiaries received over ₦3.03 billion in the first phase, while 5,750 civil servants accessed nearly ₦1.26 billion in the second phase. Cumulatively, the programme now represents a total investment of more than ₦5.9 billion, impacting over 17,000 civil servants across the state. The initiative is designed to provide access to quality agricultural inputs and flexible financing, helping workers boost productivity, diversify income sources, and secure long-term financial stability beyond active service. The impact of these interventions is far-reaching, expanding food production, increasing disposable income, creating jobs, and building resilient communities across Jigawa State. By integrating civil servants into the agricultural value chain and supporting vulnrable groups, the state is fostering a more inclusive and productive workforce. These efforts align with the broader objectives of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, which continues to support subnational initiatives that drive workforce development, economic inclusion, and sustainable growth.

Happy Birthday to the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang @CalebMutfwang Today, we celebrate a leader whose dedication to peace, unity, and sustainable development continues to shape the future of Plateau State. Your commitment to strengthening governance and improving the lives of citizens reflects the true spirit of public service. As you mark another year, we wish you continued wisdom, strength, and success in your efforts to advance progress and prosperity for the people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency

Today, I inspected equipment procured for the revival of the Benue State Rice Mill in Wadata, Makurdi, a facility abandoned for years but now set to become productive again.

In an effort to develop the state’s electricity market and strengthen regulatory oversight, the Governor of Lagos State, H.E Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu), yesterday took another major step toward operationalising the Lagos State Electricity Law. The governor inaugurated a five-member board for the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission, marking a significant milestone in the state’s drive to build a modern, reliable, and independent electricity market. As part of the appointments, Governor Sanwo-Olu named Alexander Akinwunmi Ogunbiyi, an energy financing expert with more than three decades of leadership experience, as Chairman of the Board in a non-executive capacity. He also appointed Temitope George as the Chief Executive Officer of LASERC, among others, bringing extensive experience in legal, regulatory, and governance leadership to the role. The inauguration of the board is expected to accelerate the implementation of the state’s electricity reforms and strengthen LASERC’s capacity to effectively regulate and develop the electricity market in Lagos State.

Earlier this week, the Governor of Edo State, H.E Monday Okpebholo (@m_akpakomiza), performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of a 100MW power-generating plant and a 300-metric-ton-per-day LNG facility at Taihu Industrial Park. The project is expected to open new opportunities for collaboration between the state government and investors, further strengthening industrial development and economic growth in the state.

Earlier this week, the Governor of Kwara State, H.E. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (@RealAARahman ), hosted students from the state who recently won the International Junior Secondary School Debate Championship in Malaysia and rewarded them with ₦2 million each in recognition of their outstanding achievement. The students Lawal Maryam Kikeloma, Jatto Rahmatallah Onize, Paul Unity, Fatimah AbdulRahman Thaini, and Priscilla Aremu Temilayo had earlier emerged champions at the international competition in Malaysia and went on to win the Nigerian Presidential School Debate in Lagos. Commending the students for making Kwara and Nigeria proud, the governor also awarded ₦500,000 each to their tutors, describing the young debaters as worthy ambassadors of the state. Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through sustained investment in school infrastructure and improved curricula.

Enugu State Government has received the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for Enugu Air, presented by the Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, to H.E Peter Mbah (@PNMbah), following its issuance by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in Abuja. The certificate marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to position Enugu as a major gateway for investment, tourism, and regional connectivity through strategic investment in the aviation sector. With the AOC secured, Enugu Air is expected to take its place in Nigeria’s aviation landscape as a reliable carrier linking the state to key destinations while supporting its broader economic transformation agenda.

This #IWD2026, we’re spotlighting voices from the NGF Secretariat. The message is simple: When we GIVE women opportunities, Nigeria GAINS prosperity. Watch as our unit heads share why investing in women is key to nation-building. #GiveToGain #InvestInWomen #WomenInLeadership #NigeriaGovernorsForum

Today, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum joins the global community in celebrating the resilience, leadership, and achievements of women across Nigeria. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” reminds us that progress is strengthened when societies invest in the empowerment, inclusion, and advancement of women. By creating opportunities, supporting leadership, and amplifying women’s voices, we build stronger communities and a more prosperous future for all. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum remains committed to supporting policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and expand opportunities for women across the states. Happy #InternationalWomensDay2026

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Gender Affairs Department, together with the Women in Leadership (WiL) Coalition, held a strategic engagement with the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to advance women’s economic empowerment, care economy reform, and leadership development across Nigeria. Drawing on the new World Bank Women, Business and the Law 2026 report, the discussion highlighted that while Nigeria scores 50/100 on gender equality laws, it scores just 21.7/100 on enforcement frameworks and 0/100 on the Parenthood indicator, revealing critical gaps in parental leave, childcare, and protections for working mothers.​ As a key outcome, the Minister and the coalition agreed to work together on a reform agenda focused on standardising parental leave, strengthening care infrastructure, and improving enforcement of existing laws, with a joint commitment to translate evidence into concrete policy and programmatic action for women across Nigeria. The meeting also underscored the urgency of treating the care economy as critical economic infrastructure, and the shared resolve to move from commitments on paper to practical changes that enable more women to participate, lead, and thrive in the workforce.

We welcome the month of March with renewed optimism and a shared commitment to service, collaboration, and nation-building. As we step into a new month, we reaffirm our dedication to policies and partnerships that strengthen governance, promote inclusive growth, and improve the lives of Nigerians across all states. May March bring fresh opportunities, measurable progress, and continued unity in our collective pursuit of sustainable development.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum extends warm felicitations to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru @FrancisNwifuru , on the occasion of his birthday. On this special day, we celebrate a leader whose public service journey reflects dedication to duty and a steadfast commitment to the progress of the people of Ebonyi State. Governor Nwifuru continues to inspire confidence and strengthen democratic leadership at the subnational level. As he marks another year, we wish His Excellency good health, renewed strength, and greater accomplishments in service to Ebonyi State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.

Benue Launches BRACE-UP to Tackle Out-of-School Crisis The Benue State Government under the leadership of H.E Hyacinth Alia @HyacinthAlia, has launched the Building Rights to Access and Compulsory Education for Un-enrolled Pupils (BRACE-UP) initiative as part of a comprehensive strategy to confront the out-of-school crisis and strengthen basic education delivery across the state. The initiative, unveiled by Governor Hyacinth Alia, is a structured, evidence-driven framework designed to identify, enrol and retain out-of-school children. BRACE-UP will mobilise community leaders, parents and teachers to track enrolment patterns, create flexible learning pathways and monitor each child’s academic progression through to completion. The approach prioritises accountability and measurable outcomes to ensure no child is left behind. Speaking during the maiden Benue Basic Education Summit held last week, at the Moses Orshio Adasu University, Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making compulsory education both accessible and enforceable. He assured stakeholders that catalytic funding would be sustained and policy frameworks aligned with the provisions of the Universal Basic Education Act, while guaranteeing free and compulsory basic education in Benue State. In a major complementary policy announcement, the state government also declared free education in all government-owned public schools from Basic One to Basic Nine. The move is aimed at eliminating financial barriers that prevent children from accessing foundational education, particularly those from poor and vulnerable households. Governor Alia described the free education policy as a strategic investment in the future of Benue’s children and a decisive step toward inclusive learning. He noted that the initiative builds on ongoing reforms within the sector, including the recruitment of over 9,700 teachers, the consistent payment of salaries, and the implementation of the harmonised retirement age for teachers. According to the Governor, these measures form part of a broader reform agenda focused on restoring professionalism, stability and public confidence in the state’s basic education system, while ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive and complete their schooling.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) celebrates the Executive Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago , on the occasion of his birthday. We commend Your Excellency for your ambitious development agenda, which remains firmly anchored on agricultural transformation, infrastructure renewal, and youth empowerment. Popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” your consistent championship of large-scale mechanized agriculture, leveraging Niger State’s vast arable land is a vital contribution to our national food security and economic growth. Drawing from your extensive legislative experience and deep grassroots engagement, you have continued to foster the partnerships necessary to drive investment and sustainable development across the state. As you mark another year, the Forum commends your dedication to progressive governance and your valuable contributions to our collective efforts within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat hosted a high-level onboarding workshop for Commissioners for Agriculture from the North-West states; Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, to kick-off the States Agribusiness Investment Programme (SAIP) Rice Help-Desk. The SAIP Rice Helpdesk is a state-led, technically supported mechanism, implemented by the NGF with support from the Gates Foundation (@Gates_Nigeria ), and designed to work with participating States to structure rice development priorities, strengthen governance and implementation arrangements, and prepare credible pipelines capable of attracting and efficiently deploying large-scale financing into the rice value chain. The workshop provided a detailed walkthrough of programme modalities, governance arrangements, roles and responsibilities, and practical frameworks for working together to kick off implementation. It also provided an opportunity to jointly discuss State priorities, readiness gaps, and immediate actions required to operationalise the programme. During the session, Commissioners shared vital real-world insights, identifying critical bottlenecks in planning, budgeting, and field operations that impact delivery on the ground. Moving forward, the focus turns to immediate action by formalising State SAIP Rice Development Councils, rolling out institutional and value chain diagnostic assessments, and committing to at least one catalytic rice reform to achieve visible impact within the next 180 days. The engagement reinforces the Forum’s commitment to supporting States with practical, results-driven mechanisms that strengthen coordination, unlock investment, and accelerate Nigeria’s rice sector transformation.

We welcomed delegates from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission @ndpcngr led by the National Commissioner / CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, to the Secretariat. The engagement provided an opportunity to explore strategic areas of collaboration aimed at deepening and strengthening Nigeria’s data governance architecture, promoting responsible data management practices, and reinforcing compliance with emerging data protection standards across states.

Earlier this week, we received the Director, ILO Country Office for Nigeria (@ilo #Nigeria), Vanessa Phala @vanessaphala, on a courtesy visit to the secretariat. We explored areas of collaboration in strengthening and promoting social justice, decent work and the elimination of child labour in line with international labour standards.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency, Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum celebrates the Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti (@alexottiofr), on the occasion of his birthday. Governor Otti’s leadership continues to reflect a strong commitment to fiscal discipline, institutional reform, and people-centered development. Since assuming office in 2023, he has prioritized rebuilding public confidence in governance, driving infrastructural renewal, strengthening healthcare delivery, and repositioning education across Abia State. As a seasoned economist and former banking executive, Governor Otti brings decades of private-sector experience into public service, an approach that has shaped his administration’s focus on transparency, efficiency, and measurable impact. As he marks another year, we commend his dedication to collaborative federalism and his contributions to subnational development through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. We wish His Excellency good health, wisdom, and continued success in service to the good people of Abia State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.