The Northwest Governors’ Forum has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling critical development challenges, including poverty, education, and youth unemployment, following a high-level meeting with the United Nations (UN) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Katsina.
The meeting, hosted by Katsina State Governor and Forum Chairman, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, brought together top UN officials, including Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and UN Resident Coordinator Malick Fall, alongside Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Dauda Lawal, his counterpart from Zamfara State, Ahmed Aliyu, the governor of Sokoto State, and Umar Namadi from Jigawa State.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Radda highlighted the significance of the engagement, noting that Amina Mohammed’s presence underscored the importance of the forum and the leadership driving development in the region.
“Members of the forum agreed to pursue quick and high-impact interventions across social protection, education, food security, and climate adaptation,” Governor Radda stated.
The meeting with the AfDB focused on the Nigeria Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAG 2.0), a program targeting agricultural development and value chain enhancement in the Northwest. Discussions also covered the implementation of Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) Phase 2, which will now extend to all five Northwestern states after the first phase included only Kaduna and Kano.
Additionally, the forum engaged the Infrastructure Regulatory Services (IRS) on renewable energy solutions, including solar and compressed natural gas (CNG), as part of efforts to drive sustainable economic growth. Governor Radda also confirmed plans to leverage the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support educational advancement in the region.
In a move to enhance regional coordination, the Forum appointed Ms. Maryam Musa Yahaya as its first Director General. Yahaya brings extensive experience in working with international development partners and has collaborated with state governments through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat.
Governor Radda emphasized the collective commitment of Northwest governors to economic development, agricultural transformation, poverty reduction, and youth employment.
“We have unanimously agreed to work together on these critical issues, which align with our state priorities,” he said.
The Governor also reiterated the Forum’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, pledging alignment with national efforts to drive economic prosperity in Nigeria.
