Nigeria’s governors, U.S sign partnership agreement
The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., have signed agreements to strengthen trade and investment, governance and the health sector.
This is contained in a communique issued by the NGF on Thursday and signed by its chairman , AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is also Governor of Kwara State.
“The Forum engaged with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, who shared his vision for a renewed and dynamic partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
“Highlighting a shift from a donor-recipient model to one of mutual collaboration, he underscored the importance of fostering economic opportunities for Nigerians.”
The Communique stated the Ambassador outlined four key priorities that will guide U.S. engagement with Nigeria.
The four areas include “Enhancing trade and improving the business environment to attract investments and drive economic growth.
“Promoting transparency and accountability in governance to strengthen institutions.
“Supporting subnational governments to bolster development at the state level and establishing sustainable, Nigeria-led health programmes to ensure long-term impact and resilience.”
The Governors forum said it welcomed the renewed approach and emphasised the critical role of states in driving economic and social development.
It stressed that the governors look forward to deepening cooperation with the U.S. on these shared priorities.
Also, the governors have received briefing from the Minister of Women Affairs on the expansion of the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) Scale-Up, from the present six to all states in the country.
“The project aims to support women economic empowerment through Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), livelihood grants, and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to the goal of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.”
Similarly, the governors have engaged with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria to discuss key issues, including strengthening synergy and ensuring subnational perspectives are represented in the ongoing constitutional review process.
Accordingly, the Speakers informed the governors of a partnership to digitise all State Houses of Assembly to enhance legislative efficiency and transparency.
Both reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in advancing governance reforms and effective policy implementation at the subnational level.
