Radda leads Northwest governors to adopt and launch a regional security framework

Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North West Governors Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has said continued collaboration and shared responsibility are key to addressing the challenges of insecurity and development across the region.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Officer of Governor Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, it was noted that Governor Radda stated this at the third meeting of the North West Governors Forum held in Abuja, where the Forum formally adopted and launched the North West Peace, Security and Development Framework (2026-2030) as a strategic blueprint for coordinated regional action.

“The Framework provides our shared vision and clear priorities. We must now act with determination to translate these into tangible results for our people,” he said.

He noted that the Framework responds to the complex and interconnected challenges facing the region, including insecurity, organized crime and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, which require integrated and collective action.

The President praised the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for its continued technical and financial support, describing the organization as a strong partner in promoting peace, security and regional development.

The Forum also addressed issues related to institutional strengthening and operational direction of its Secretariat. It approved a governance structure that requires the Director-General to submit work plans to the President for approval before presenting them to members for ratification. The Secretariat was also tasked with guiding Member States in regional priority areas to ensure alignment of planning and budgeting processes.

On humanitarian coordination, the Forum noted the progress made in Katsina and Zamfara States in adapting the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the State Action Plan, and called on other Member States to adopt the framework. The Forum also directed the Secretariat to engage state statisticians general to strengthen regional data systems for evidence-based planning and decision-making.

The Forum received an update from the North West Development Commission (NWDC) and expressed concern about operational challenges impacting its effectiveness. He stressed the need for strict compliance with existing rules and regulations and resolved that all outstanding issues be addressed urgently, failing which the matter may be transferred to the President.

Subsequently, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, unveiled the “Energise Commercialization Now” initiative, a federal government program aimed at accelerating innovation, industrialization and export development at the subnational level. The Forum welcomed the initiative and tasked the Honorable Minister to work closely with the NWGF Secretariat to ensure that all Member States are effectively brought forward and participate fully.

The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration, improving governance and accelerating socio-economic development in the North West.

The meeting was attended by the governors of the seven states of the North-West, development partners and representatives of the main regional and federal institutions.