Nationwide protest: NGF vows to enhance security

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has reaffirmed its dedication and commitment to enhancing security measures and safeguarding lives and property across various states and local communities.

Some Nigerians have scheduled a nationwide protest on August 1-10 which has sparked widespread anxiety and elicited diverse reactions from the Nigerian public.

Various organizations vying to spearhead the campaign attributed the protest to the soaring cost of living and the severe economic struggles that have been affecting the general population.

In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, made available to journalists on Thursday, the NGF emphasised the importance of implementing robust security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens within their respective states.

This announcement followed the Forum’s meeting early Thursday morning.

NGF received a presentation from the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Pate, on the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme.

He provided updates on the Sector-Wide Approach, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, Primary Health Care Revitalisation, and National Supply Chain Management.

The governors reiterated their commitment to enhancing health outcomes for all Nigerians.

The communique read in part, “The NGF received a briefing from the National Security Adviser’s office on the current security situation in the country. The NSA noted the growing momentum for a planned protest demanding government attention.

“The NSA is committed to supporting the governors in improving security architecture at the subnational level. The governors thanked the NSA and reinstated its commitment to enhance the security of lives and properties at the subnational.

“Members received the new Country Director of the World Bank, Mr. Ndiame Diop, and his team. They introduced themselves to the Forum and presented the bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the states, including HOPE (Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality), Food and Nutrition Security, and SPIN (Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Products).

“Members welcomed the new Country Director and his team, assured them of the governors’ continued support, and expressed their willingness to support the programme implementation across the country.”

The governor of the 36 state also were briefed by the body of State Attorneys General on the July 11 Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed the financial independence of the 774 local governments.

It continued, “Members received a briefing from the body of Attorneys General of the 36 states on the Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of local governments.

“Members received a briefing from the Nigerian Bar Association on the recent change in the association’s leadership and other initiatives. The NBA expressed their commitment to working with the States in defence of our democracy and the rule of.

“The governors highlighted the importance of such a revered association and the role they play in ensuring effective governance. They assured the governors of their continued collaboration and readiness to provide necessary support.”