APC Governors Unite In Lagos, Pledge Stronger Security And Economic Interventions

According to Ireporter Online, governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their full support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent re-engineering of Nigeria’s national security system, describing the protection of lives and property as a non-negotiable duty of government.

The endorsement followed a two-day strategic meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), held in Lagos and hosted by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island. The forum, chaired by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, reviewed key political, economic and social issues affecting the nation and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s prospects as a united, peaceful and prosperous country.

During the meeting, the governors assessed the prevailing security situation across the country and commended President Tinubu for what they described as improved coordination between federal, state and local security structures. They also praised the commitment and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers across the federation.

Reading from the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Governor Uzodimma announced that the forum resolved to further strengthen local security architecture in all APC-controlled states through enhanced community-based security initiatives, improved intelligence gathering and stronger conflict-prevention mechanisms, while also supporting victims of violence and disasters.

The governors equally reviewed the nation’s economic conditions and acknowledged the pressures caused by ongoing macro-economic reforms. They expressed appreciation for the patience and resilience of Nigerians amid rising cost-of-living challenges and pledged to intensify state-level interventions in food production and distribution, small and medium-scale enterprise support, youth employment, social protection for the most vulnerable, and targeted relief for workers and low-income households.

The forum applauded President Tinubu’s commitment to stabilising the economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda, reaffirming its readiness to collaborate closely with federal institutions and local governments to ensure that the benefits of reforms translate into visible improvements in citizens’ quality of life.

Also deliberating on infrastructure development, the governors underscored its importance in boosting productivity, attracting investment and improving living standards. They commended Lagos State for its leadership in transport reforms, urban renewal and innovative financing, agreeing to deepen inter-state collaboration and peer learning. The forum resolved to scale up investments in roads, housing, public transportation, water, sanitation, digital connectivity and climate-resilient infrastructure with a strong focus on inclusion.

The governors further stressed that infrastructure projects must be socially just, environmentally responsible and tailored to meet the needs of youth, women, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups. They reiterated that effective local governance remains key to delivering the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots, pledging to strengthen transparency, accountability and service delivery in local councils.

In a renewed commitment to public engagement, the forum agreed to expand platforms for citizen interaction, including town hall meetings and consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, labour groups, professional bodies, youths and women’s groups, noting that inclusive dialogue is vital for sustaining democratic trust.

The APC governors also reaffirmed their loyalty to the party, commending its leadership for promoting internal democracy, discipline, reconciliation and inclusiveness. They pledged to continue playing a stabilising role within the party while remaining focused on governance and service delivery.

The forum concluded by emphasising the need to promote social cohesion, inter-faith harmony and inter-ethnic understanding, urging leaders at all levels to actively foster unity, moderation and mutual respect while condemning criminality and hate speech in all forms.