By Amofokhai Williams
The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) has declared full support for the Federal Government’s ongoing overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, describing the initiative as a necessary step toward restoring stability across the country.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day meeting of APC governors and party stakeholders held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, and hosted by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The chairman of the Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, read the communiqué to journalists.
Uzodimma said the Forum’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s security reforms was both “an expression of appreciation and a vote of confidence” in the administration’s direction.
He further reaffirmed the governors’ support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and their backing for his reelection bid in 2027.
The meeting, attended by 12 governors and representatives of Kaduna and Katsina states, also had senior political leaders and government officials in attendance, including Lagos Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, members of the State Executive Council and APC chieftains.
Uzodimma said the governors spent considerable time evaluating the national socioeconomic climate, stressing that all government policies must ultimately translate into better living conditions for Nigerians.
“The purpose of every reform is to protect dignity and expand opportunities for citizens, young and old, rural and urban,” the communiqué noted.
The Forum commended Tinubu for ongoing reforms in food security, power, transportation, social investment and infrastructure, pledging to align state programmes with federal initiatives in order to maximise benefits at the grassroots.
Acknowledging the strain faced by Nigerians as a result of major macroeconomic adjustments, the governors praised citizens for their resilience and patience.
They resolved to expand state-level interventions in food production, SME support, job creation and targeted relief for vulnerable households.
They also committed to stronger collaboration with federal institutions, the National Economic Council and local governments to ensure that no community is left behind in the reform process.
Highlighting the importance of infrastructure in driving national productivity, the PGF commended Lagos State for its leadership in transport reforms and innovative financing.
The governors agreed to deepen inter-state learning and accelerate investments in roads, housing, water, sanitation, digital connectivity and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The Forum stressed that all infrastructure should be inclusive and responsive to the needs of women, young people, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities.
On security, the PGF said it was encouraged by the growing synergy between federal, state and local security formations. Uzodimma commended security agencies and community volunteers for their sacrifices and reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to strengthening grassroots security structures.
“The Forum commended Mr President for the ongoing re-engineering of the country’s security architecture,” he said, adding that the governors would scale up community-based initiatives, intelligence gathering, conflict prevention and support for victims of violence.
The communiqué also underscored the importance of national unity, urging leaders to promote moderation and social cohesion while rejecting hate speech and criminality.
The PGF reiterated that strong local governance is essential for delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda. The governors pledged to advance reforms that improve transparency, accountability and service delivery at the local government level.
They also resolved to expand avenues for citizen participation, including town halls, consultations with traditional rulers, civil society, labour unions, youth and women’s groups and to ensure that government remains responsive to public feedback.
Uzodimma said the Forum remains absolutely loyal to the All Progressives Congress, commending the party’s leadership for efforts to strengthen discipline and internal democracy.
The governors pledged to continue serving as a stabilising force within the party, describing themselves as “trustees of the people’s mandate” dedicated to delivering tangible socio-economic improvements across all APC-controlled states.
“The PGF reaffirms its full support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policies of APC governments at all levels,” the communiqué concluded.
