By Ayomide Otitoju
Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have declared full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, describing the protection of lives and property as a fundamental duty of government.
The governors, under the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), met for two days in Lagos for a strategic session hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Eko Hotels and Suites. Led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Forum issued a communiqué reaffirming confidence in Nigeria’s prospects as a united and prosperous nation.
Reviewing the security landscape, the APC governors commended President Tinubu for what they called improved coordination among federal, state and local security structures, as well as the dedication of security agencies and community volunteers. They endorsed the ongoing reforms and pledged to bolster local intelligence systems, community-based security initiatives and conflict-prevention mechanisms across their states.
According to the communiqué read by Governor Uzodimma, the Forum resolved to “strengthen local security architecture” and continue supporting victims of violence and disasters.
The governors also assessed political, economic and social conditions in the country, emphasising that current reforms must translate into improved welfare and expanded opportunities for citizens. They praised the President’s efforts to stabilise the economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda and acknowledged the “temporary burdens” faced by Nigerians as a result of macroeconomic adjustments.
In response to rising living costs, the governors committed to intensifying state-level interventions in food production, SME support, youth employment and social protection for vulnerable households. They promised closer collaboration with federal and local institutions to ensure that economic reforms yield measurable improvements for all communities.
Infrastructure development, urban renewal and rural revitalisation also featured prominently in the discussions. The Forum applauded Lagos State for its leadership in transport innovation and urban regeneration and agreed to deepen inter-state collaboration in these areas. It further resolved to scale up investments in roads, housing, public transport, digital connectivity and climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring inclusivity for women, youth, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
The communiqué stressed the importance of effective local governance, vowing to strengthen transparency and accountability in local government administration. The governors also pledged to expand citizen-engagement platforms, including town halls and consultations with traditional, religious and civil society groups, labour unions, youth and women’s organisations.
Reaffirming loyalty to the APC, the Forum commended the party’s leadership for efforts to entrench internal democracy and inclusiveness. It vowed to continue offering stability within the party while delivering on its governance mandate.
“The Forum reaffirms its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Uzodimma said, noting that APC governors remain committed to translating citizens’ aspirations into tangible socio-economic outcomes nationwide.
The Forum concluded by emphasising the need to promote national unity, social cohesion and inter-faith harmony while condemning all forms of hate speech and criminality
