NGF Chairman hails Tinubu’s efforts on security, socio-economic reforms

…says states are strengthening revenue systems, improving land administration

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing efforts on security and socio-economic development across the country.

Governor AbdulRazaq gave the commendation while speaking at the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Abuja, where he highlighted some of the achievements recorded so far.

While acknowledging the leadership provided by President Tinubu in taking tough decisions, he underscored the need to keep human capital at the forefront.

He said: “Your Excellency, Mr. President, under your leadership, our party has shown the courage to take difficult but necessary decisions. The Renewed Hope Agenda reflects a clear commitment to long-term progress, even when the path is not easy.

“At the subnational levels, we understand these imperatives. The states are where policies are most directly impacted, where national decisions meet everyday realities. Our task is to ensure that reforms lead to real improvements in the lives of our people.

“On fiscal matters, states have actively shaped reforms, ensuring they are practical and balanced. For instance, through the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), states are strengthening their own revenue systems, improving land administration, and public financial management, which is helping states to fund their priorities more sustainably. But revenue only matters when it delivers results.

“States are actively investing in providing sustainable livelihoods for our citizens. More specifically, there have been significant interventions in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Programmes such as the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-Pres) and the Argo-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACreSAL) provide substantial support for farmers while putting in place measures to mitigate climate vulnerability.

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“In human capital, through programmes such as the HOPEGOV, HOPEEDU and HOPE-HEALTH, implemented in partnership with the Federal Government and the World Bank, governors are helping to strengthen how states finance and manage basic education and primary healthcare.

“Initiatives such as the Primary Healthcare Under One Roof, the Health Compact, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, and the $5.1 billon MoU recently signed with the United States under its America First Global Health Strategy are contributing towards the improvement of health indicators across all states.

“However, development can only succeed where lives and livelihoods are protected. This is why we are closely working with the Office of the National Security Adviser and all relevant federal security agencies to strengthen security coordination and support safer communities.

“I can attest to Mr. President’s unprecedented efforts and investments in security, and I am confident in his ability to resolve these challenges soon. What is changing is not just what we do, but how we do it, with better coordination, clearer focus, and stronger accountability.

“Development does not happen in Abuja alone. We have continued to record meaningful progress across our states, in our communities, and in the daily decisions that shape people’s lives.

“Mr. President, distinguished delegates, the strength of our party is not just in its size, but in its ability to govern well, to stay united, and to deliver results.

“As we look ahead, we must remain focused. We must strengthen fiscal discipline while expanding opportunities. We must continue to invest in our people while ensuring inclusion.

“Finally, we must keep human capital at the centre of our efforts, because the strength of our nation depends on the strength of our people. Let us leave this Convention more united in spirit, clearer in purpose, and firmer in our resolve to govern well.

“Let us continue to prove that the APC is not only the party to beat at the polls, but the party best equipped to govern Nigeria through impactful reforms and renewal,” the NGF Chairman urged.