The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has called for merit-based leadership, inclusive governance, stronger national security and improved government-citizen engagement, outlining key priorities for national unity and sustainable development.
The recommendations are contained in a read by Professor George Genyi from Federal University Lafia, at the end of the Forum’s fifth national conference, held in Abuja from October 20 to 21, 2026.
National Security
The Forum communiqué signed by the Forum’s National Chairman, Dr Chris Alozie Akomas; Deputy National Chairman (South), Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Deputy National Chairman (North), Mukhtar Ahmed Anka commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their efforts to secure the country, encouraging continued investment in the agencies to enhance their operational efficiency.
It also urged the government to harness Nigeria’s youthful population, agricultural and solid mineral resources, and intellectual and technological capital, while advocating the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex to advance nation-building and sustainable development.
Public Service
The Forum recommended that recruitment processes give considerable attention to competence and character, with merit as a priority. It also called for the full implementation of clear service standards specifying processing times, communication requirements, accessibility provisions and mechanisms for complaints and feedback.
Addressing democratic governance, the Forum urged a reassessment of the leadership recruitment process to facilitate the emergence of credible individuals capable of earning citizens’ trust and securing the legitimacy to lead.
It further encouraged political leaders to support young people in digital innovation and creativity, while calling for an effective regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.
On political inclusion, the Forum advocated institutionalised gender quotas through reserved executive positions and legislative seats for women, young people and marginalised minorities at federal, state and local government levels.
The communiqué also recommended a strategic communication blueprint requiring public officials to communicate openly and honestly about governance successes and challenges, with the aim of reducing public suspicion.
To strengthen civic awareness and patriotism, the Forum called for vigorous advocacy and public enlightenment on Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which contains the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.
On social cohesion, it urged governments at all levels to preserve and adapt enduring cultural values, promote family and community loyalty, and strengthen mutual respect between leaders and citizens.
Other recommendations included effective reintegration programmes for former convicts, formalised ward-level consultative assemblies to improve engagement between political representatives and citizens, and enhanced teachers’ remuneration to strengthen their role-modelling responsibilities.
The Forum also called for the constitutional definition of traditional rulers’ roles to support the preservation of enduring cultures and their contributions to modern governance.
The conference, themed “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition for Sustainable Development,” was chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, with former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, serving as co-chair.
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