By Chioma Eche Abuja
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the successful implementation of policies aimed at restoring price stability and strengthening confidence in the economy.
The commendation was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s fifth meeting, held in Abuja, the nation’s capital and signed by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, the Governor of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that the meeting deliberated on ongoing economic stabilization efforts, national security coordination, and legislative initiatives designed to enhance gender representation in governance.
According to him, the Forum received a presentation from the CBN Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, who briefed members on the Bank’s stabilization measures to curb inflation, unify exchange rate windows, and recapitalize banks.
“Governors commended the CBN’s coordinated approach with fiscal authorities and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to safeguard growth and state fiscal sustainability,” the communiqué stated.
Security Coordination and Emerging Threats
The Forum also received a briefing from the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, on emerging security threats and intelligence-led strategies to strengthen subnational coordination.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that discussions focused on countering violent extremism, managing inter-communal tensions, and addressing security risks linked to economic hardship and political transition.
“Governors expressed appreciation to the DSS for its proactive engagement and reiterated their commitment to deepen intelligence sharing and collaboration with federal security agencies to enhance peace and stability across the states,” he added.
Push for Gender Representation in Governance
The Forum also discussed ongoing efforts in the national Constitution Review, particularly the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349), which is scheduled for voting between November 4 and 6, 2025.
The Bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create special constituencies exclusively contested by women in both the National and State Assemblies as a temporary measure to enhance gender representation.
“Governors were urged to engage their Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and State Assemblies to support the Bill’s passage and affirm Nigeria’s commitment to equity and inclusive governance,” the communiqué read.
Commitment to Stability and Inclusive Growth
The meeting, which was attended by several Governors and Deputy Governors, concluded with a reaffirmation of the Forum’s collective resolve to promote macroeconomic stability, national security, and inclusive democratic governance through continuous collaboration with federal institutions and development partners.
Victoria Ibanga