The North-West Governors’ Forum has pledged to collaborate with the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) to tackle the region’s challenges.
Its chairman, the Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, stated this when NWDC chairman, Lawal Abdullahi, paid him a courtesy visit on Monday.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for establishing the commission and described it as a crucial intervention for regional development.
“This commission is not just another institution; it is a critical intervention that we must recognise and utilise effectively,” he said.
The governor identified insecurity as the primary concern in the region but acknowledged the progress made so far.
“Security remains a major concern, and we recognise the efforts of the military, security agencies, and stakeholders in reducing insecurity.
“While significant progress has been made, we remain committed to eliminating these threats entirely,” Radda stated.
The governor also stressed the need to address regional priorities, particularly agricultural development and education.
“The strength of the North-West lies in agriculture, which forms the backbone of our economy,” he noted.
He urged the commission to allocate resources equitably, considering the specific needs of each state.
“We urge the commission to distribute resources fairly, based on population, size and level of devastation,” he emphasised.
Radda called for collaboration between state governments and stakeholders to maximise the commission’s impact.
“We stand united as North-West leaders, setting aside political differences to achieve economic prosperity.
“Our full support is behind this commission, and we pledge to work closely with its management for meaningful development,” he added.
Earlier, the NWDC chairman expressed confidence in the commission’s leadership, saying it would deliver on its mandate.
“I believe we are well-positioned, with His Excellency as coordinating governor and forum chairman, to drive meaningful projects and ensure successful execution,” Abdullahi said.
He emphasised that the commission’s focus would remain on effective project management and governance.
