During a high-level meeting with the 36 State Governors held on Tuesday night, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, expressed concern over the growing momentum of a planned nationwide protest by some aggrieved Nigerians, highlighting the need for the government’s attention.
The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, confirmed this in a three-page communique issued at the end of the Forum’s 9th meeting in Abuja. However, he declined to address journalists on the issues discussed behind closed doors, which lasted about four hours.
In the communique personally signed by Governor AbdulRazaq, it was stated: “The NGF received a briefing from the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) office on the current security situation in the country. The NSA noted the growing momentum for a planned protest demanding government attention.
The NSA is committed to supporting the Governors in improving security architecture at the subnational level. The Governors thanked the NSA and reinstated their commitment to enhance the security of lives and properties at the subnational level.”
Governor AbdulRazaq also declined to comment on the issue of Local Government autonomy, which was listed on the meeting’s agenda. However, the communique confirmed that “Members received a briefing from the body of Attorneys General of the 36 States on the Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of Local Governments. Members received a briefing from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on the recent change in the association’s leadership and other initiatives. The NBA expressed their commitment to working with the States in defense of our democracy and the rule of law. The Governors highlighted the importance of such a revered association and the role they play in ensuring effective governance. They assured the Governors of their continued collaboration and readiness to provide necessary support.”
The Forum also received a presentation from the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, on the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Program (NHSRIP). The Minister provided updates on the Sector-Wide Approach, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), Primary Health Care (PHC) Revitalization, and the National Supply Chain Management. In acknowledging the successes recorded so far, the Governors reiterated their commitment towards improving health outcomes for all Nigerians.
Additionally, the new Country Director of the World Bank, Mr. Ndiame Diop, presented the Bank’s various programs currently being implemented in the States, including HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality), Food and Nutrition Security, and the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project. While welcoming the new World Bank Country Director, the Forum assured the delegation of the Governors’ continued support and expressed their willingness to support the programs’ implementation across the country.
