The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), on Saturday, 28th June, 2025 concluded a two-day strategic regional meeting in Benin City, Edo State capital, hosted by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged in deep reflection on the nation’s socio-economic direction and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a communique issued at the close of the meeting, read by the Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Forum highlighted key outcomes and resolutions from the gathering.
The meeting provided a crucial platform to harmonize development strategies, reinforce party cohesion, and reaffirm the forum’s dedication to people-centered development, institutional accountability, and inter-governmental collaboration.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the formal welcome of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
The Forum noted that Governor Eno’s decision, along with his supporters, reflects a growing national consensus on the transformative policies being executed by President Tinubu’s administration.
The PGF congratulated President Tinubu and his team, commending the widespread endorsement of his policies across all States led by the Forum.
A comprehensive appraisal of the nation’s economic, social, security, and political trajectory was undertaken by members of the Forum.
The Governors expressed satisfaction with the renewed coordination between federal and state institutions, particularly the prioritization of fiscal reform, food security, energy transition, infrastructural modernization, and social sector revitalization.
They pledged continued alignment with national objectives, in line with the principles of constitutional federalism.
Acknowledging the effectiveness of macroeconomic stabilization policies such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and debt rationalization, the Forum expressed support for a strategic pivot towards social equity and inclusive prosperity.
The Governors emphasized that while economic indicators show signs of recovery, growth must be further democratized through expanded investments in food security, job creation, poverty eradication, MSMEs, and social safety nets.
The Forum reaffirmed the critical role of sub-national governments as engines for economic renewal, committing to deepen economic decentralization in line with Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates all levels of government to promote the welfare of the people.
The PGF welcomed the increase in fiscal transfers to states and the growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic outlook, noting that multiple APC-led states are now attracting significant domestic and foreign direct investments.
Efforts to professionalize procurement processes, digital governance systems, and enhance regulatory frameworks were also acknowledged, with Governors pledging to build on this momentum to deliver infrastructure that unlocks productivity and drives inter-state competitiveness.
On security and national stability, the Forum commended security agencies and ongoing efforts to counter criminality and safeguard national sovereignty.
Governors reaffirmed their support for inter-agency coordination, community policing, and grassroots intelligence systems, calling for greater investment in surveillance infrastructure and the welfare of frontline personnel.
The PGF expressed condolences to families affected by insecurity, particularly in Benue and Niger states, and reaffirmed its collective resolve to support the President’s national security architecture, commending recent actions and visits to Benue State.
The communique also highlighted the indispensable roles of local government and community structures in service delivery and democratic inclusion, emphasizing the need for reinvigorated grassroots governance.
Regarding leadership cohesion and party renewal, the PGF recognized the recent influx of Governors, National Assembly members, and other key stakeholders into the APC as a clear affirmation of public confidence in the party’s leadership model and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Forum reaffirmed that the APC remains the most institutionally-coherent political platform in Nigeria, with unmatched records of reforms, electoral success, and national unity.
The resignation of the National Chairman of the party, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was acknowledged as being in tandem with the party’s continued evolution.
The PGF reaffirmed its strong belief in a united, just, and prosperous Nigeria, committing to work collaboratively to deliver bold reforms, strengthen institutional trust, and accelerate socio-economic development across all geopolitical zones.
Governors resolved to remain faithful to APC values, leveraging technology, innovation, and inter-governmental collaboration to drive Nigeria’s transformation from the bottom up.
The Forum encouraged all Nigerians, both home and abroad, to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC as the nation moves towards a more secured, inclusive, and forward-looking future.
At the conclusion of the press briefing, Governor Uzodimma announced the sad news of the passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata from Kano State, a revered national leader, and called for a minute of silence in his honour.
