Governors of Nigeria’s North-West region have adopted a new regional strategy aimed at tackling insecurity and accelerating development, with Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda leading the initiative.
The framework, known as the North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework (2026–2030), was formally launched at the 3rd Meeting of the North-West Governors’ Forum held in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Radda, who chairs the forum, stressed that sustained collaboration among states remains essential to addressing the region’s complex challenges.
Katsina Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda
“The framework provides our shared vision and clear priorities. We must now act with determination to translate this into tangible results for our people,” he said.
According to him, the blueprint is designed to address interconnected issues such as insecurity, organised crime, and socio-economic vulnerabilities through coordinated and integrated action across the region.
The forum also acknowledged the support of the United Nations Development Programme, commending its technical and financial contributions to regional peace and development efforts.
As part of efforts to improve coordination, the forum approved measures to strengthen the operations of its secretariat. Under the new arrangement, the Director-General will be required to submit work plans to the chairman for approval before presentation to member states for ratification.
The secretariat was also tasked with guiding states on priority areas to ensure alignment in planning and budgeting processes across the region.
On humanitarian issues, the governors noted progress made by Katsina and Zamfara states in adopting the National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy and State Action Plan. Other states in the region were urged to follow suit.
The forum further directed the secretariat to work with state statisticians-general to strengthen regional data systems, with a view to promoting evidence-based planning and decision-making.
The meeting also reviewed the activities of the North-West Development Commission, expressing concern over operational challenges affecting its performance.
Governors emphasised the need for strict adherence to the commission’s governing rules and resolved that unresolved issues should be addressed promptly or escalated to the presidency if necessary.
In a related development, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, presented a Federal Government initiative titled “Energise Commercialisation Now,” aimed at promoting innovation, industrialisation, and export growth.
The forum welcomed the programme and directed the minister to work closely with its secretariat to ensure full participation of all member states.
The meeting was attended by governors of the seven North-West states, development partners, and representatives of key regional and federal institutions.
The governors reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration, improved governance, and accelerated socio-economic development across the region.
