Northwest Governors Demand People-Centered Constitutional Reforms for Regional Development and Security
The Northwest Governors’ Forum led by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has called for comprehensive constitutional reforms aimed at creating a people-centered governance framework that effectively addresses regional socio-economic and security challenges.
During a technical session on Nigeria’s constitution review held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe speaking on behalf of Governor Radda emphasized the urgent need for amendments reflecting contemporary realities including improved fiscal federalism, enhanced subnational autonomy and restructuring of the security architecture to allow state policing.
Dr. Balarabe highlighted critical issues confronting the Northwest region—rampant insecurity, youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, drug abuse and underinvestment in agriculture—that transcend individual states and require collective regional solutions.
She also stressed the importance of a fairer revenue allocation formula that accounts for the region’s burden in hosting millions displaced by banditry and conflicts.
The Forum endorsed a united approach in drafting a consensus document titled “The North-West Common Position on Constitutional Reform” which will guide the region’s input into the national constitutional review process. The initiative involved extensive consultations across state executives, lawmakers, civil society groups and traditional institutions.
Northwest Governors seek reforms that empower states legislatively, including in areas such as policing, agriculture, prisons and minerals, proposing a rebalanced federal structure with devolved powers to enhance governance and regional development.
The Chairperson of the Northern Nigeria Development Commission (NNDC), Alhaji Lamis Shehu Dikko also advocated for constitutional recognition of regional development bodies to better coordinate economic activities and infrastructural projects.
The constitutional review session underscores the Northwest’s commitment to unity and constructive dialogue to achieve governance reforms that prioritize the welfare and aspirations of its people while contributing to Nigeria’s overall democratic deepening and national cohesion.
The final unified position will be presented to the governors for approval and subsequent national advocacy.
Participants include constitutional experts, legal scholars, commissioners and stakeholders from the seven Northwest states of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara.
The forum’s comprehensive approach aims to influence the national constitutional amendment process with pragmatic solutions tailored for sustainable peace, development and justice in the region.
