The Northern States Governors’ Forum has resolved to invest massively in education and skills development, health care and social services in order to boost human capital development in the region.
At the end of its first meeting of the year in Kaduna on Tuesday, the Forum expressed concern that the region currently bears the burden of having the highest number of out of school children in the world.
According to its communique, the meeting, which was presided over by its Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Mallam Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, resolved to invest in critical infrastructure “that are capable of unlocking the huge industrial and economic potentials of the North”. It noted the expected role of New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) on the revitalisation of the region’s economy.
The Forum noted that climate change, unsustainable agricultural practices and population growth posed significant challenges to the region. It resolved to adopt a holistic approach that promote environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and responsible resource management to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people and preserve the national heritage of generations yet unborn.
Full text of the communique
The Northern States Governors’ Forum under the leadership of His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON held its first meeting for the year 2024 today Tuesday, 30th April, 2024 at the Council Chamber, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
2. The Forum commended the Federal Government under the dynamic, focused and courageous leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR which has demonstrated total commitment to winning the war against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
3. The Forum expressed deepest sympathy and collective support to the governments and people of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Zamfara States over the unprecedented security challenges currently affecting the states and resolved to stand in solidarity with them during these difficult times.
4. The Forum noted that human capital development is critical to the progress and prosperity of the region and expressed concern that the region currently bears the burden of having the highest number of out of school children in the world. The Forum committed itself to invest massively in education and skill development, health care and social services in order to address the menace.
5. The Forum received report of a committee to review the Report of the Technical Committee on the New Nigeria Development Company. The Forum resolved that members should study the report for consideration at the next meeting of the Forum.
6. The Forum noted the expected role of New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) on the revitalisation of the economy of the Northern states. The Forum accordingly resolved to invest in critical infrastructure that are capable of unlocking the huge industrial and economic potentials of the North.
7. The Forum noted that climate change, unsustainable agricultural practices and population growth posed significant challenges to the region. The Forum resolved to adopt holistic approach that promote environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and responsible resource management to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people and preserve the national heritage of generations yet unborn.
8. The Forum received a presentation from Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and World Bank Team. The Forum noted achievements in areas of system strengthening, project management, infrastructure and structure emplaced and challenges as regards project implementation and expected areas of support. The Forum assured the AGILE and World Bank teams of their sustain support and requested them to FastTrack the process of upscaling the programme.
9. The Forum received on courtesy call from the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). The Forum noted the resolve of the Board of Trustees to harmonise activities of various interest groups as well as voices, speaking and acting on behalf of the region. The Forum further resolved to support and encourages the Board of Trustees towards the realisation of the objectives of the founding fathers of the Arewa Consultative Forum.
10. The Forum also received a report from the Coalition of Northern Group on the security in Northern Nigeria. The Forum commended the Group for its commitment to the security of the Northern region and pledged to work together with the Group.
11. The Forum commended its own leadership for engaging with the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, Coalition of Northern Civil Society groups and other relevant stakeholders in charting a way forward for sustainable peace and stability in the North.
12. The Forum commended the Chairman of the Forum for his inspirational leadership and commitment towards advancing the interest of the North. The Forum also commended the host Governor for his sustained effort in hosting the meetings of the Forum.
13. The Forum resolved to hold its next meeting on … 2024.
