The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has unveiled a new Leadership Academy as part of efforts to strengthen governance capacity across the country, while also throwing its weight behind key federal reforms in fiscal policy, education, and security.
According to Punch Newspapers, the decision was announced after the Forum’s first meeting of 2026 held in Abuja, where governors deliberated on national priorities and strategies to improve service delivery.
The newly introduced NGF Leadership Academy will operate as a dedicated directorate within the Forum’s secretariat, focusing on:
Executive capacity building
Applied policy research
Governance advisory support
Peer learning across states
Governors described the academy as a flagship platform aimed at enhancing leadership quality and strengthening institutional performance across all 36 states.
During the meeting, governors received a briefing from the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, on ongoing tax reforms and revenue trends.
They reaffirmed their commitment to:
Expanding the taxpayer base
Improving revenue mobilisation
Restoring confidence in fiscal management systems
The Forum emphasized that resolving outstanding fiscal issues is critical for state-level planning and economic stability.
The NGF also backed the Federal Government’s education reform agenda, including:
Proposed 12-year continuous basic education system
Expansion of junior and senior secondary school infrastructure
Strengthening digital education systems like NEMIS
Governors stressed the need to improve access to quality education and ensure resources reach underserved communities.
On security, the Forum discussed frameworks to enhance national safety, including preparations around state policing structures and broader coordination with federal authorities.
Governors reiterated their commitment to working closely with the Federal Government to implement reforms that improve security, governance efficiency, and public service delivery.
The combined initiatives signal a coordinated push by state governments to modernise governance, strengthen institutions, and align with national reform priorities amid ongoing economic and security challenges.