Northern Governors' Forum Commissions Secretariat to Strengthen Regional Cooperation

Kaduna, Nigeria 🇳🇬 July 09, 2026

The Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum (NNGF) has commissioned its temporary secretariat in Kaduna as part of efforts to strengthen institutional coordination and improve collective responses to the socio-economic, developmental and security challenges facing Northern Nigeria.

The secretariat, located at No. 26 Muhammadu Buhari Way (formerly WAFF Road), was inaugurated alongside a fleet of operational vehicles to support the activities of the Forum.

Speaking during the commissioning, the Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the development as a significant milestone in the Forum's commitment to building a stronger institution capable of coordinating policies, programmes and regional interventions across the 19 Northern states.

He said the establishment of a permanent administrative structure would enhance the Forum's capacity to pursue shared development goals and promote greater collaboration among Northern governors.

The NNGF Chairman urged political leaders across the region to remain united in addressing the challenges confronting Northern Nigeria, stressing that the realities facing the region require collective commitment and practical solutions.

He called on leaders to build on the legacy of previous generations by investing in institutions that would deliver lasting benefits to the people, noting that the region possesses the potential to overcome its challenges through sustained cooperation and strategic planning.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also expressed appreciation to members of the Forum for supporting efforts to institutionalise the organisation, describing the secretariat as the beginning of a more structured and result-oriented approach to regional governance.

Also speaking at the event, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said the establishment of the secretariat marks a new chapter for the Forum. He noted that although the Northern Governors' Forum had functioned for years without a dedicated administrative office, it had remained an important platform for cooperation among governors in the region.

He commended the Forum's leadership for providing the vision that led to the establishment of the secretariat and reaffirmed the commitment of Northern governors to strengthening unity and collaboration.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum, Dr. Ezekiel Gomos, said the new secretariat would improve coordination of the Forum's activities, policies and engagements while enhancing its operational efficiency.

According to him, the facility will provide the institutional framework required to drive the Forum's programmes and align its operations with other regional organisations and the Nigeria Governors' Forum.

He thanked the Northern governors for their support and assured that the secretariat and operational vehicles would be effectively managed to advance the objectives of the Forum.

Picture: Facebook