North-West Governors Adopt Security Framework, Radda Urges Unity

North-West governors have adopted and launched a regional peace, security and development framework, with Katsina State governor and chairman of the Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, calling for stronger unity and shared responsibility to tackle insecurity and development challenges.

Radda made the call at the 3rd Meeting of the North-West Governors’ Forum held in Abuja, where the North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework (2026–2030) was unveiled as a strategic blueprint for coordinated regional action.

He stressed that sustained collaboration among states remains critical to addressing the region’s pressing security and socio-economic issues.

A statement issued by
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, said, “The Framework provides our shared vision and clear priorities. We must now act with determination to translate this into tangible results for our people.”

He noted that the Framework responds to the complex and interlinked challenges facing the region, including insecurity, organised crime, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, which require integrated and collective action.

The chairman commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its continued technical and financial support, describing the organisation as a strong partner in advancing regional peace, security, and development.

The Forum also considered matters relating to the institutional strengthening and operational direction of its secretariat. It approved a governance structure requiring the director-general to submit work plans to the chairman for approval prior to presentation to members for ratification. The secretariat was further mandated to guide member states on regional priority areas to ensure alignment of planning and budgeting processes.

On humanitarian coordination, the Forum noted progress in Katsina and Zamfara States in domesticating the National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy and 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 over operational challenges affecting its effectiveness. It emphasized the need for strict adherence to its governing rules and regulations and resolved that all outstanding issues be addressed urgently, failing which the matter may be escalated to the President.

Following this, the minister of innovation, science and technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, presented the “Energise Commercialisation Now,” initiative, a federal government programme aimed at accelerating innovation, industrialisation, and export development across sub-national levels. The Forum welcomed the initiative and directed the minister to work closely with the NWGF Secretariat to ensure that all member states are effectively carried along and participate fully.

The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to strengthened regional collaboration, improved governance, and accelerated socio-economic development across the North-West.

Participants at the meeting included governors of the seven North-West states, development partners, and representatives of key regional and federal institutions.