The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has launched a new Leadership Academy and declared its support for the Federal Government's ongoing fiscal, education, and security reforms. This initiative aims to strengthen governance, improve revenue mobilization, and expand access to quality education nationwide.
During its first 2026 meeting in Abuja, the governors received briefings from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. These presentations covered tax reforms, revenue performance, and plans to enhance basic and secondary education infrastructure.
In a communiqué signed by NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, the Forum pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government on policies that bolster state capacity and improve service delivery.
The communiqué highlighted the governors' congratulations to Minister Taiwo Oyedele on his appointment and noted a comprehensive briefing on current fiscal developments. This briefing included trends in FAAC revenues, ongoing tax reforms, and efforts to strengthen revenue mobilization across all government tiers.
Governors emphasized the need to restore confidence in fiscal management systems and called for the prompt resolution of outstanding fiscal matters crucial for subnational planning and budgetary stability. They also discussed reforms to broaden the taxpayer base, improve compliance, and ease the burden on basic consumption.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Minister of Finance to advance shared fiscal objectives. Minister of Education, Professor Tunji Alausa, presented the Federal Government’s education agenda, focusing on a proposed 12-year continuous basic education framework, progress on the Digital National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) platform, and the urgent need to expand Junior and Senior Secondary School infrastructure.
Governors reiterated their collective commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to achieve shared goals, including expanding access to quality education and ensuring resources reach communities in need.
The Leadership Academy will operate as a new Directorate within the NGF Secretariat, serving as a primary platform for subnational leadership development. It will integrate executive capacity building, applied research, governance advisory, and peer learning to support all 36 states.
The Forum also noted progress on the NGF States Agribusiness Investment Programme Rice Helpdesk, supported by the Gates Foundation, which aims to strengthen state capacity in rice production and value chain development. Governors acknowledged the importance of addressing sector-wide constraints in institutions, markets, and financing.
Additionally, the NGF noted the Secretariat's development of a State Police Framework in anticipation of proposed constitutional amendments. This framework outlines key readiness requirements, including governance structures, financing models, human capital standards, digital systems, and oversight mechanisms.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has institutionalized a new compensation framework for civil servants who suffer work-related injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities, or death. This initiative aims to enhance welfare and workplace protection within the Federal Civil Service.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this during the unveiling of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme Help Desk in Abuja, describing it as a significant welfare intervention for public servants. The Employees’ Compensation Scheme is now fully operationalized to ensure timely compensation and support for federal workers affected by workplace hazards.
Walson-Jack stated that the scheme complements existing welfare programs, including the Group Life Assurance Scheme, and widens protection for workers and their families. This development underscores the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to improving the welfare, dignity, and safety of public servants.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) for the seamless execution of the program. NSITF Managing Director, Oluwaseyi Faleye, described the scheme as a major step towards establishing a structured and transparent compensation system for federal workers.
The newly inaugurated ECS Help Desk will serve as a dedicated platform for information dissemination, claims processing support, and feedback management, enhancing service delivery for federal civil servants.
