Governors from the Southern region of Nigeria, convened under the Southern Governors’ Forum, have called for significant reforms ranging from fiscal federalism to energy transition and infrastructure development.
In a communique issued after their meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the governors emphasized the need for states to negotiate their own minimum wage, reflective of local economic conditions and cost of living.
The Forum discussed the minimum wage issue and unanimously agreed that each state should have the autonomy to negotiate and set its minimum wage.
This move, they argued, would better reflect the economic realities and ability to pay within each state.
Addressing concerns over mineral licenses, the governors criticized the current practice where licenses are issued without involving state governments.
They highlighted the negative consequences such as environmental degradation and lack of revenue accruing to the states or federal government.
On energy policy, the governors pledged to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
This initiative aims to reduce transportation costs, thereby lowering the prices of goods and services for residents.
Infrastructure development was also a focal point, with a call on the federal government to rehabilitate major roads and transfer certain roads to states willing to manage them.
They commended President Tinubu for initiating the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and proposed a regional multimodal transport master plan to enhance connectivity across the region.
The governors reiterated their support for the creation of state police, citing the success of regional community-based security outfits in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
The Southern Governors’ Forum expressed a commitment to fostering trade, investment, sustainable growth, and development through the Southern States Development Agenda (SSDA).
This comprehensive plan will collaborate with state agencies and national bodies to promote economic prosperity, social harmony, and food security across the region
