Nigeria’s 36 state governors have reaffirmed their commitment to fiscal reforms, education transformation, and improved governance following deliberations at the first 2026 meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja.
The meeting, chaired by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, received a detailed briefing from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, on Nigeria’s fiscal outlook.
Reading the communiqué at the end of the meeting, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted key issues, including trends in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenues, ongoing tax reforms, and efforts to strengthen revenue mobilisation across all tiers of government.
The governors stressed the urgent need to rebuild public confidence in fiscal management systems and called for the prompt resolution of outstanding fiscal issues affecting state planning and budget stability.
The Forum also examined strategies to broaden the tax base, improve compliance, and reduce the burden on essential goods and services.
Governors pledged to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Finance to drive reforms aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and stability.
Education Reforms
On education, the governors engaged with the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who outlined key priorities under the Federal Government’s agenda.
Central to the discussion was the proposed transition to a 12-year uninterrupted basic education system, alongside updates on the Digital National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
The Forum highlighted the urgent need to expand junior and senior secondary school infrastructure to accommodate increasing student enrolment nationwide.
Governors reiterated their commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to improve access to quality education, ensuring that resources are efficiently deployed to underserved communities.
Establishment of NGF Academy
In a move to strengthen governance capacity, the Forum approved the establishment of the NGF Academy and Leadership Centre as a new directorate within its secretariat.
The initiative is designed to provide executive training, policy research, and peer-learning opportunities for subnational leaders across the federation.
Governors described the academy as a strategic platform to enhance leadership effectiveness and institutional performance at the state level.
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The meeting also reviewed progress on the NGF States Agribusiness Investment Programme (SAIP) Rice Helpdesk, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The programme aims to boost rice production and strengthen agricultural value chains.
Governors acknowledged persistent challenges in financing, market access, and institutional coordination, while pledging support for state-level implementation to improve food security and agricultural productivity.
State Police Framework
On security, the Forum noted ongoing work by its secretariat to develop a State Police Framework ahead of anticipated constitutional amendments.
The framework outlines key requirements, including governance structures, funding models, personnel standards, digital systems, and oversight mechanisms necessary for effective state policing.
The communiqué underscores a renewed push by state governments to align with federal authorities on critical reforms, while strengthening institutional capacity to address Nigeria’s economic, educational, agricultural, and security challenges.