Behind the Scenes of the APC Governors’ Strategic Lagos Meeting

All of the governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent re-engineering of the national security architecture, pointing out that the government’s commitment to protect citizens’ lives and property cannot be compromised.

The governors convened in Lagos for a two-day strategic discussion under the auspices of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) to examine various issues impacting the country’s situation.

The gathering was hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Eko Hotels & Suites on Victoria Island.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Forum—led by Senator Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State—reiterated its faith in Nigeria’s future as a cohesive, peaceful, and successful nation in a communiqué.

During the meeting, Forum members reviewed the nation’s security situation and thanked President Tinubu for what they described as “improved coordination” between federal, state, and local security structures, as well as for the bravery and sacrifices made by security agencies and community volunteers.

The APC Governors praised the President’s management of security issues, emphasizing that the President’s re-engineering of the nation’s security architecture was necessary.

Gov. Uzodimma read the communiqué and stated that the PGF decided to support the President’s efforts by strengthening intelligence collection, community-based security initiatives, conflict-prevention mechanisms, and assistance for victims of disasters and violence.

“The Forum reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers, as well as improved coordination between federal, state, and local security structures,” the communiqué states. We therefore decided to make every member state’s local security architecture stronger.

“The Forum applauded Mr. President for continuing to reengineer the nation’s security architecture. Governors reaffirmed that the government’s duty to protect people and property cannot be compromised. In addition to providing assistance to victims of violence and natural disasters, we decided to keep bolstering community-based security programs, intelligence collection, and conflict-prevention techniques.

PGF reviewed the nation’s political, economic, and social landscape and noted that reforms should prioritize enhancing lives, upholding people’ dignity, and increasing possibilities for Nigerians.

The Forum praised the President for his Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to stabilize the economy and establish the groundwork for long-term growth.

“The Forum reviewed the state of the economy and the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by citizens, acknowledging the temporary burdens that accompany necessary macro-economic reforms,” Uzodimma stated. In addition to expressing profound gratitude for the sacrifices being made in the shared goal of a more robust and inclusive economy, governors recognized Nigerians’ tenacity and tolerance.

“We decided to step up state-level initiatives in sectors like food production and distribution, assistance for small and medium-sized businesses, youth employment, social protection for the most vulnerable and impoverished, and targeted relief for low-income households and workers.

“To ensure that things continue to improve, that no group is left behind, and that the gains of reforms continue to translate into visible improvements in the quality of life of the people, the Progressive Governors are committed to working closely with Federal institutions and local governments.”

Infrastructure, urban regeneration, and rural development are crucial for boosting productivity, drawing in investment, and raising living standards, according to the Forum.

The governors resolved to strengthen peer-learning and interstate cooperation in these areas and praised Lagos State in particular for its innovative funding models, transportation reforms, and urban renewal.

With an emphasis on access and inclusion for all communities, the PGF decided to increase investments in roads, housing, public transportation, water and sanitation, digital connectivity, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

It emphasized the importance of designing and delivering infrastructure in a way that is socially equitable, environmentally conscious, and sensitive to the needs of women, youth, people with disabilities, and other frequently marginalized groups.

“The Forum reaffirmed that delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level requires effective local governance,” stated Uzodimma. In accordance with the Constitution and in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders, governors decided to intensify reforms intended to enhance accountability, transparency, and service delivery in local government administration.

We decided to increase the number of venues for citizen participation, such as town hall meetings, consultations with religious and traditional leaders, civil society, labor, professional associations, youth, and women’s organizations. The Forum reaffirmed that maintaining democratic legitimacy and fostering trust depend on listening to the public, clearly communicating government policies, and modifying implementation tactics in response to input.

The Forum also reaffirmed its steadfast support for the APC and praised the party’s leadership for its initiatives to improve inclusivity, discipline, internal democracy, and reconciliation.

The Governors promised to keep the party stable while making sure the APC remained committed to fulfilling its mandate.

The Forum reiterated its unwavering support for the policies of APC governments at all levels and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. PGF emphasized that Progressive Governors view themselves as trustees of the mandate of the people and as a group of leaders who work together to translate Nigerians’ ambitions into real social and economic results throughout the federation.

The Forum emphasized the value of interfaith harmony, interethnic understanding, and societal cohesion. It urged leaders to use their platforms and voices to promote harmony, moderation, and respect while denouncing crime and hate speech in all of its manifestations.