ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Wednesday night met with National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, where he briefed and highlighted a growing momentum for planned nationwide protests over economic hardships demanding government attention.
This was contained in a communiqué after a meeting of the forum chaired by Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The NSA committed to supporting governors in enhancing security architecture at the subnational level.
The communiqué reads, “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.”
The nationwide protests, which is scheduled for August 1–10, has caused tension and elicited differing reactions from Nigerians. Many of the organisations that expressed interest in spearheading the campaign said that the rising expense of living and the people’s financial struggles were the catalysts for the protest.
Also the communique stated that the body of Attorneys General of the 36 states briefed the governors on a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the financial autonomy of local governments. It was however silent on the decisions of the state executive officers.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also addressed the forum, discussing recent leadership changes and expressing their commitment to collaborating with states in defense of democracy and the rule of law.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, presented updates on the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Program (NHSRIP), detailing progress on various healthcare initiatives.
Governors reaffirmed their commitment to improving health outcomes for all Nigerians.
The forum welcomed the new Country Director of the World Bank, Ndiame Diop, who introduced ongoing state-level programmes such as HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality) and SPIN (Sustainable Prosperity Initiative in Nigeria). The governors pledged their support for these initiatives.
