Northwest governors, led by Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, have rallied behind a regional plan to address insecurity and promote economic growth in the region. The plan, known as the Northwest Peace, Security and Development Framework, was presented to international partners at a High-Level Side Event in New York, United States. The event was attended by governors from the seven Northwest states, representatives of the Nigerian government, the United Nations, development and financial institutions, Civil Society Organisations, and other partners.
Governor Radda, who is also the chairman of the Northwest Governors' Forum, emphasized that the framework represents the collective decision of the seven governors to work together on challenges that cut across state boundaries. He explained that while the seven states have different histories, strengths, and priorities, their people, markets, and economies are closely connected. Their security challenges also cross state boundaries, making cooperation necessary if lasting solutions are to be achieved.
The Northwest region faces significant security challenges, but Governor Radda stressed that military and security operations alone cannot guarantee lasting peace. He said unemployment, poverty, displacement, and limited economic opportunities must also be addressed as part of efforts to make communities safer. The regional plan aims to build a Northwest where farmers can produce more and reach bigger markets, young people can acquire useful skills and build businesses, women can participate fully in economic and public life, and communities affected by insecurity can rebuild with dignity.
Governor Radda urged development partners to work with the Northwest at a regional level and called on financial institutions to support funding arrangements that can attract investment into underserved communities. He also appealed to private investors to take a fresh look at the region beyond the security challenges often associated with it. The governors themselves must take responsibility for delivering the Framework, Governor Radda said, adding that they must strengthen institutions, improve coordination, ensure accountability, and show through their actions that regional cooperation can produce results.
The development of the Framework was a collaborative process that involved consultations with governments, communities, civil society groups, traditional institutions, women, and young people across the region. According to the Director-General of the Northwest Governors' Forum, Maryam Musa Yahaya, the process took shape in June 2024 when the governors met in Katsina State for the inaugural Northwest Peace and Security Summit. The Framework was adopted by all seven governors in March 2026, providing the political backing needed to move from planning to implementation.
The Northwest governors are committed to working with institutions that share the region's ambition for lasting peace and development. Governor Radda invited development institutions, investors, and other partners to work with the seven states to build safer communities, stronger institutions, and more resilient economies, while creating opportunities for young people across the region. The success of the Framework will be judged by whether communities become safer, livelihoods improve, children have better opportunities, women and young people are included, and displaced families are able to rebuild their lives.
Key points
- Northwest governors have adopted a regional plan to address insecurity and promote economic growth in the region.
- The plan, known as the Northwest Peace, Security and Development Framework, aims to build a safer and more prosperous Northwest region.
- The governors have called for stronger cooperation among the seven Northwest states and their development partners to tackle insecurity and open up the region's economic potentials.
