…call for more investment in security, surveillance infrastructure
The governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have said that the States under the party are attracting significant domestic and foreign direct investments to the Country.
The governors stated this at the weekend after its two-day strategic regional meeting hosted by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo in Benin City and held under the aegis of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).
The governors in a communiqué read by its Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma attributed the attraction of domestic and foreign direct investments to the increase in fiscal transfers to States and the growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic outlook.
According to him, The PGF welcomed the increase in fiscal transfers to States and the growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic outlook, noting that multiple APC-led States are now attracting significant domestic and foreign direct investments.
Uzodimma said during the meeting that the Governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged in deep reflection on the nation’s socio-economic direction and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the governors provided a crucial platform to harmonise development strategies, reinforce party cohesion, and reaffirm the Forum’s dedication to people-centered development, institutional accountability, and inter-governmental collaboration.
He added that the PGF which highlighted key outcomes and resolutions at the gathering, commended President Tinubu and his team for the widespread endorsement of his policies across all States led by the Forum.
The PGF Chairman also added that a comprehensive appraisal of the nation’s economic, social, security, and political trajectory was undertaken by members at the meeting.
He stated that it also expressed satisfaction with the renewed coordination between Federal and State institutions.
He said the coordination between the two-tiers of Government was particularly in the prioritisation of fiscal reforms, food security, energy transition, infrastructural modernisation, and social sector revitalisation.
The Imo State Governor, however, added that the Forum pledged continued alignment with national objectives, in line with the principles of Constitutional federalism.
“Acknowledging the effectiveness of macroeconomic stabilization policies such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and debt rationalization, the Forum expressed support for a strategic pivot towards social equity and inclusive prosperity.
“The Governors emphasised that while economic indicators show signs of recovery, growth must be further democratized through expanded investments in food security, job creation, poverty eradication, MSMEs, and social safety nets.
“The Forum reaffirmed the critical role of sub-national governments as engines for economic renewal, committing to deepen economic decentralization in line with Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates all levels of government to promote the welfare of the people.
“Efforts to professionalize procurement processes, digital governance systems, and enhance regulatory frameworks were also acknowledged, with Governors pledging to build on this momentum to deliver infrastructure that unlocks productivity and drives inter-state competitiveness”, he said.
Speaking on security and national stability, Governor Uzodimma said the PGF commended security agencies and the ongoing efforts to counter criminality and safeguard national sovereignty.
He said the governors which called for greater investment in surveillance infrastructure and the welfare of frontline personnel, however, reaffirmed their support for inter-agency coordination, community policing, and grassroots intelligence systems.
He added that the Forum expressed condolences to families affected by insecurity, particularly in Benue and Niger States.
He said the Forum also reaffirmed its collective resolve to support the President’s national security architecture, commending recent actions and visits to Benue State.
Uzodimma said the Forum also highlighted the indispensable roles of local government and community structures in service delivery and democratic inclusion, emphasizing the need for reinvigorated grassroots governance.
