Northwest Governors’ Forum Collaborates With UN, AfDB To Drive Development
By Joe Goddy, Katsina
The Northwest Governors’ Forum has pledged to tackle pressing regional challenges such as out-of-school children, poverty, and youth unemployment through strategic partnerships with the United Nations (UN) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, who also serves as the Chairman of the Forum, hosted a high-level meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, senior UN officials, and AfDB representatives.
In a statement issued by the governor’s chief press secretary Ibrahim Kaula, stated that the meeting was attended by Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), and Umar Namadi (Jigawa), signaling a united front in advancing development initiatives across the region.
According to him, following the discussions, Governor Radda emphasized the commitment of the Forum to implement impactful interventions in social protection, education, food security, and climate adaptation.
“We are determined to pursue quick and high-impact projects that will uplift the people of the Northwest,” he stated.
A major highlight of the meeting was the discussion on Nigeria Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAG 2.0), which focuses on agricultural development and value chain enhancement.
Governor Radda revealed that the Forum is on the verge of implementing the program across Northwestern states to boost food production and rural livelihoods.
Additionally, the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) Phase 2 was a key agenda item, with Governor Radda announcing that while the first phase covered Kaduna and Kano, the second phase will extend to all Northwest states.
The Forum also engaged with the Infrastructure and Renewable Solutions (IRS) to explore investments in solar and compressed natural gas (CNG) energy solutions for sustainable economic growth.
Recognizing the importance of education, Governor Radda disclosed the Forum’s interest in leveraging the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to expand educational opportunities for citizens.
In a strategic move to enhance coordination, the Forum appointed Ms. Maryam Musa Yahaya as its pioneer Director General.
Ms. Yahaya, an experienced development expert, previously worked with international partners and state governments through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat.
To ensure effective implementation of partner programs, each Northwest governor has designated a focal person for development coordination within their state.
Governor Radda reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to working together on economic growth, agricultural development, poverty reduction, and youth employment. “We have unanimously agreed to collaborate in tackling the critical issues facing our region,” he stressed.
He also expressed the Forum’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic initiatives, emphasizing that all Northwest governors stand behind the President’s vision for national prosperity.
With these commitments, the Northwest Governors’ Forum is taking decisive steps to foster economic transformation and improve the livelihoods of millions across the region.
