Nigeria’s 36 state governors, under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, have pledged to implement stringent security measures nationwide to ensure a peaceful and incident-free festive season.
The commitment was announced following the forum’s meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
A communiqué issued after the meeting, signed by the NGF Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and read by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, detailed the governors’ plans to strengthen public safety during the yuletide period.
The document stated that the governors reviewed a communication from the Office of the National Security Adviser, which highlighted the need for heightened security preparedness across all states due to increased population movement, large public gatherings, and elevated public safety risks during the holiday season.
In response, the governors pledged to enhance coordination among security agencies, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain a visible presence in identified high-risk areas to prevent incidents and ensure the safety of citizens.
The communiqué also noted the governors’ acknowledgment of additional funding from the World Bank for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus programme.
The financing is expected to support state-level interventions that promote livelihoods, food security, public works, and resilience-building for vulnerable populations.
The forum emphasised the importance of sustaining momentum in programme implementation, timely reporting, and efficient fund utilisation to deliver measurable results for affected households.
In addition to security and economic measures, the governors recognised the achievements of the third edition of the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards, held on December 12.
Thirteen states were celebrated for notable progress in strengthening primary health care systems.
Yobe State emerged as the overall national winner, while Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers, and Osun topped their respective geopolitical zones.
Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun were named first runners-up.
The governors noted that these results reflect the benefits of sustained political leadership and peer-driven accountability, committing to building on these achievements to further improve primary health care delivery across the country.
Officials reaffirmed that the combined focus on security, economic resilience, and health system strengthening is aimed at ensuring Nigerians enjoy a safe, stable, and productive festive period.
