Governors rally behind CBN’s economic reforms, back women’s representation bill

Nigeria’s governors have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting key national reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, improving security, and promoting gender inclusion.

This followed the 5th meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held on Wednesday, October 23, 2025, under the leadership of the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

During the meeting, the governors deliberated extensively on pressing national issues, including the economy, security, and the upcoming vote on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.

One of the major highlights of the meeting was a presentation from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), delivered by the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, on behalf of the CBN Governor. The presentation focused on the apex bank’s ongoing stabilization measures designed to restore price stability and strengthen confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Dr. Abdullahi outlined several key policy actions including tightening monetary policy, unifying exchange rate windows, and recapitalising banks aimed at curbing inflation, improving liquidity management, and consolidating macroeconomic stability.

The governors commended the CBN for its proactive and coordinated approach with fiscal authorities, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration between federal and state institutions to safeguard growth and ensure fiscal sustainability across the country.

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, also briefed the Forum on emerging security challenges and the intelligence-led strategies being adopted to counter them.

His presentation covered issues such as countering violent extremism, managing inter-communal tensions, and mitigating security risks associated with economic hardship and political transitions.

The governors praised the DSS for its proactive engagement and pledged to deepen intelligence sharing and strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies to maintain peace and stability in their respective states.

The Forum also discussed the upcoming vote on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349), scheduled for November 4–6, 2025. The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to create special constituencies exclusively contested by women in both the National and State Assemblies a temporary but significant step toward achieving equitable gender representation in governance.

Governors were encouraged to work closely with their senators, House of Representatives members, and State Assemblies to support the bill’s passage. The move, they agreed, would affirm Nigeria’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and gender equity in political leadership.

At the end of the meeting, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq reiterated the Forum’s dedication to partnering with federal institutions to advance economic recovery, enhance security, and promote inclusive governance.