ABUJA, Nigeri – Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has been elected the new Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, the influential body made up of the country’s 36 state governors.
The outgoing Chairman, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, signed a communiqué announcing the transition at the conclusion of the 7th emergency meeting of the state governors held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in Abuja.
Tambuwal’s tenure is slated to conclude on May 29, 2023, marking a new chapter for the NGF.
“In the interest of our nation and the states we govern, we have selected a new leader. The Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has emerged the new Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum through consensus,” Tambuwal said in the communiqué.
Also announced was Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who has been chosen as the Vice Chairman of the Forum.
The pair represent a dynamic and progressive leadership team, committed to fostering stronger ties within the NGF and Nigeria at large.
The Governors Forum expressed satisfaction at the success of the recent induction program held for new and returning governors from May 14, 2023, to May 19, 2023.
They pledged renewed commitment to sustained collaboration among the states, focusing on enhanced peer review and learning at the sub-national level.
In his first official statement as Chairman, Governor Abdulrazaq highlighted his plans to deepen the relationship between the NGF, the federal government, and other institutions.
“We understand the need for a collective front to address the challenges faced by our nation,” Abdulrazaq said. “Through shared learning and collaboration, we will move Nigeria forward.”
In a move lauded by the NGF, the Chairman revealed that the Hon. Minister of Finance has agreed to their request to cease further deductions from the states’ accounts to meet Local Government Councils London Paris Club obligations.
They also expect reimbursement for the funds deducted so far.
“This is a significant milestone in our collective pursuit for financial autonomy,” Abdulrazaq stated.
“Our states will directly benefit from this decision, and we are grateful for this show of good faith.”
Governor Abdulrazaq’s ascension to the Chairmanship of the NGF signals the beginning of a new era of leadership and the potential for a deeper commitment to collaborative state governance in Nigeria.
As the nation watches, the Forum’s new direction holds promise for a more cohesive and prosperous future.
