The North-West Governors Forum (NWGF), in partnership with the United Nations and under the technical guidance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is advancing efforts to establish a comprehensive regional security and development framework.

This initiative follows the inaugural North-West Peace and Security Summit, held in June last year, which convened over 300 participants to address the region's persistent security and socio-economic challenges. The summit underscored the need for a coordinated regional approach to foster stability, economic prosperity, and social protection.

To actualize this vision, the UNDP has assembled a team to develop the framework, with veteran journalist Kadaria Ahmed leading stakeholder engagement and communication efforts. The process, which aims to ensure inclusive participation, has commenced in Kaduna State and will extend across all seven North-West states.

A high-level delegation, including Ashrsff Usman, Head of UNDP’s North-West office, and Maryam Musa Yahaya, Director General of the North-West Governors Forum, recently met with Governor Uba Sani, his deputy Hadiza Sabowa Abubakar, and the Emirs of Zazzau and Birnin Gwari to secure their endorsement.

Over the coming weeks, similar engagements will take place in the remaining six states to gather insights and ensure broad-based support. Stakeholders who have not been contacted but wish to contribute can reach out to Kadaria Ahmed through designated communication channels.

The NWGF, in collaboration with the UNDP, is committed to a transparent and inclusive process that will lay the foundation for long-term peace, security, and development in the North-West region.