Nigeria Governors' Forum

Welcome to June.

As we enter the sixth month of the year, the Nigeria Governors' Forum reaffirms its commitment to the work that matters most: strengthening governance systems and ensuring that public services reach every Nigerian in every state.

June marks the midpoint of the year. It offers an important opportunity to reflect on progress made, identify areas where gaps remain, and renew our collective resolve to deliver results where they are needed most.

From healthcare and education to infrastructure, agriculture, and social protection, the NGF continues to convene, collaborate, and drive policy action that translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens.

As we move into the second half of the year, we remain focused on supporting state governments to implement innovative solutions, deepen intergovernmental cooperation, and advance reforms that promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Today, we celebrate His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun , a leader whose commitment to service, peace, and the development of Ogun State continues to inspire many.

On this special occasion, we honour your dedication to the people, your vision for progress, and your steadfast leadership. May this new year bring you wisdom, strength, good health, and even greater accomplishments in service to Ogun State and Nigeria.

We wish you many more years of impactful leadership and grace.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency

The Nigeria Governors Forum extends warm Eid greetings to all Muslim faithfuls celebrating today. May this moment bring peace, joy, and abundant blessings to you, your family, and entire community.

The spirit of this season; sacrifice, unity, and compassion mirrors the values that guide good governance: the willingness to put the people first, to serve with humility, and to build communities where no one is left behind.

As sub-nationals reaffirm their commitment to the welfare of every citizen, we draw inspiration from this season to govern with greater purpose, equity, and care for the most vulnerable among us.

We wish all Nigerians a joyous celebration, filled with gratitude, good health, and togetherness.

Eid Mubarak.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), through its Gender Department, has concluded the Inaugural NGF Gender Knowledge Exchange Convention in Lagos.

The convention brought together Commissioners of Women Affairs, gender experts, and key stakeholders from across Nigeria's 36 states to discuss strategies for strengthening collaboration on gender equality and women's economic empowerment.

The gathering served as a platform for peer learning, experience sharing, and policy dialogue, covering critical areas including policy domestication, gender-responsive budgeting, institutional strengthening, and pathways to advancing women's participation in governance and economic development at the subnational level.

Today, we celebrate His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia (), a leader whose commitment to service, peace, and the development of Benue State continues to inspire many.

On this special occasion, we honour your dedication to the people, your vision for progress, and your steadfast leadership.

May this new year bring you wisdom, strength, good health, and even greater accomplishments in service to Benue State and Nigeria.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency. We wish you many more years of impactful leadership and grace.

Nigeria consumes nearly 7 million metric tonnes of rice every year, yet a significant share still comes from imports. That means pressure on foreign exchange, lost economic value, and missed opportunities for local farmers, processors, and agribusinesses.

Through the State Agribusiness Investment Programme ( ) – Rice HelpDesk, the Nigeria Governors' Forum is working with states to build a stronger, more competitive rice ecosystem.

From strengthening institutional capacity and improving data-driven decision-making, to unlocking finance and coordinating investments across rice-producing states, this initiative is designed to move Nigeria closer to rice self-sufficiency, food security, and inclusive economic growth.

The Nigeria Governors' Forum hosted the Solina Centre for International Development and Research team for a strategic workshop on the Top Team Effectiveness (TTE) Initiative, focused on reviewing TTE 1.0 and designing the next phase, TTE 2.0.

The session brought together both teams to reflect on key lessons from TTE 1.0, including achievements, implementation gaps, and opportunities to strengthen coordination and accountability in state health systems.

Discussions also focused on strengthening governance systems, improving inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring sustained impact across states.

The workshop concluded with alignment on strategic priorities, delivery approaches, and next steps required to drive stronger health sector performance at the subnational level.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) was hosted in a strategic engagement by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to strengthen collaboration and improve policy coordination at the subnational level.

Discussions focused on institutional frameworks for implementation, stakeholder engagement, and the role of the Joint Technical Committee and Communities of Practice in driving seamless collaboration between the Ministry and state governments through the NGF platform.

The meeting further reinforced the importance of partnerships in advancing sustainable development and effective policy delivery across Nigeria.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, Dr. Abdulateef Sh*ttu, led a high-level delegation on a strategic visit to the Kaduna State Governor's Lodge to engage with the Governor, H.E Uba Sani (), on the rollout of the State Agribusiness Investment Programme (SAIP) in Kaduna State.

The visit focused on securing the Governor’s endorsement and strengthening state-level commitment to agricultural transformation. Following the engagement, the Governor formally endorsed the initiative and pledged to establish and personally chair the State’s Rice Development Council.

This commitment marks a significant step toward accelerating rice sector development, attracting agribusiness investments, and strengthening food security in Kaduna State.

As we welcome the month of May, we also pause to celebrate the men and women whose hands, minds, and dedication keep Nigeria moving.

Today, we felicitate with every Nigerian worker in our farms, schools, hospitals, markets, offices, and across the diaspora. Your labour is the foundation of our progress, and your dignity is non-negotiable.

May this new month bring better conditions, greater opportunities, and the full reward of your hard work.

We remain committed to building a Nigeria that works for its workers.