By Mustapha Salisu
Kano State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, on Thursday represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the official inauguration of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) Temporary Secretariat in Kaduna, as the Forum announced plans to establish a permanent headquarters.
The event, attended by governors from the 19 northern states and other key stakeholders, marked an achievement in the Forum’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and institutional coordination.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described commissioning of the temporary secretariat as the formal take-off of the Forum’s institutional framework after years of planning and commitment.
He disclosed that arrangements for the construction of a permanent headquarters had reached an advanced stage, adding that the foundation for the facility would be laid in the near future.
According to him, the permanent secretariat will serve as the operational hub for coordinating the Forum’s activities, promoting peer learning among governors and deepening collaboration in addressing the region’s common challenges.
Governor Yahaya also revealed that the operational vehicles and other resources unveiled during the ceremony were donated by member states, describing the contributions as a demonstration of the governors’ collective commitment to the success of the Forum.
He urged northern governors to remain united, stressing that the challenges confronting one state ultimately affect the entire region.
Identifying insecurity, poverty, hunger and disease as the North’s most pressing concerns, Yahaya said restoring security remains the foundation for sustainable development.
“Without security, there will be no development,” he said, noting that persistent insecurity has prevented many farmers from accessing their farmlands, with serious implications for food security across the region.
The NGF chairman expressed optimism that the Forum’s strengthened institutional framework would enhance collaboration and deliver lasting solutions to the region’s socio-economic and security challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the northern governors, Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, said the inauguration of the secretariat would provide the Forum’s personnel with a functional workspace to effectively coordinate its activities.
“With the inauguration of this office, the Forum’s staff will now have a functional workspace, enabling them to effectively discharge their responsibilities and strengthen the coordination of our collective activities,” he said.
“On behalf of my colleagues, I commend the Chairman for this initiative and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Forum in achieving its objectives for the benefit of our people,” Idris added.
Speaking earlier, Director-General of the NNGF, Dr. Ezekiel Gomos, assured member states that the secretariat would be managed with professionalism, transparency and efficiency.
He also expressed gratitude to the governors for the confidence reposed in him and his management team to oversee the affairs of the Forum.