Governors back FG’s fiscal, education reforms, launch leadership academy

Governors of the 36 states have thrown their weight behind the federal government’s fiscal and education reform agenda, pledging stronger collaboration to boost revenue, strengthen governance, and expand access to quality education nationwide.

The position was reached Wednesday night at a meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja, where governors received detailed briefings from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Minister of Education, Prof. Tunji Alausa.

Reading the communiqué on behalf of the NGF Chairman and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the forum resolved to support ongoing reforms aimed at improving fiscal sustainability and education outcomes across all tiers of government.

He noted that the finance minister’s presentation focused on trends in FAAC revenues, tax reforms, and broader efforts to strengthen revenue mobilisation.

He said governors stressed the urgency of restoring confidence in fiscal management systems and called for the timely resolution of outstanding fiscal issues critical to subnational planning and budget stability.

The governors also backed measures to widen the tax base, improve compliance, and reduce pressure on basic consumption, reaffirming their commitment to working closely with the federal government to achieve shared fiscal goals.

On education, governors endorsed key priorities outlined by the minister, including the proposed transition to a 12-year continuous basic education system, expansion of junior and senior secondary school infrastructure, and the rollout of the Digital National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).

They pledged to collaborate in ensuring improved access to education and efficient deployment of resources to underserved communities.

The governors equally unveiled a Leadership Academy to be established within its secretariat. The academy is expected to serve as a flagship platform for subnational leadership development, integrating executive training, applied research, governance advisory, and peer learning for all 36 states.

The governors also acknowledged progress on the NGF States Agribusiness Investment Programme Rice Helpdesk, supported by the Gates Foundation, aimed at enhancing rice production and value chain development and emphasised the need to tackle structural, market, and financing constraints to achieve food security and higher agricultural productivity.

The forum further noted ongoing work on a State Police Framework in anticipation of constitutional amendments, outlining key requirements such as governance structures, financing models, and oversight mechanisms.