About Us
Strengthening Unity
for Regional Progress
Established as a regional governance initiative, the Northwest Governors' Forum represents a unique collaboration between Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Sokoto states.
Together, we work to address the shared challenges facing our region while leveraging our collective strengths to drive sustainable development.
Our forum serves as a vital platform for policy coordination, resource sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.
Through regular summits, joint programmes, and coordinated initiatives, we strive to improve the lives of over 50 million citizens across our member states.
MEMBER STATES
CORE PROGRAMMES
POPULATION
Our Vision
A Model Region of
Peace and Prosperity
To realize a Northwest region defined by enduring peace, inclusive prosperity, and robust socioeconomic integration.
This future state is envisioned as a definitive model for collaborative governance and sustainable development, not just within Nigeria, but across the West African sub-region.
Our aspiration is to create a future where every citizen enjoys a high quality of life, complete security, and equitable opportunity for growth.
Our Mission
Implementing Collaborative
Governance and Security
Our primary mission is to foster deep, effective collaboration and policy coordination among all seven member states and their executive councils.
We coordinate regional development initiatives, strategically pooling resources and expertise to tackle complex, shared challenges like insecurity and climate impact.
We are committed to promoting sustainable peace and security, establishing a safe and enabling environment conducive to vigorous economic activities and investment.
Ultimately, we strive to enhance the overall quality of life for all citizens through innovative governance practices, strategic public-private partnerships, and rapid deployment of key infrastructure.
Core Objectives
Our strategic objectives guide everything we do, ensuring that our
collaborative efforts deliver meaningful impact across all member states.
Peace and Security
Promote sustainable peace and enhance regional security through collaborative approaches and conflict prevention mechanisms.
Peace and Security
Promote sustainable peace and enhance regional security through collaborative approaches and conflict prevention mechanisms.
Economic Integration
Foster economic cooperation and integration across the seven states to drive growth and prosperity.
Economic Integration
Foster economic cooperation and integration across the seven states to drive growth and prosperity.
Human Development
Advance human capital development through improved education, healthcare, and social welfare systems.
Human Development
Advance human capital development through improved education, healthcare, and social welfare systems.
Infrastructure Development
Coordinate regional infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade across state boundaries.
Infrastructure Development
Coordinate regional infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade across state boundaries.
HIS EXCELLENCY
MALAM DIKKO UMARU RADDA
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, KATSINA STATE
From the Executive Governor
Katsina State
Our administration is built on the pillars of service, equity, and justice for all. We are committed to a people-oriented approach, prioritizing your needs and resisting any efforts that compromise your well-being. Leading by example, I hold myself and all officials accountable, ensuring transparency through regular updates on progress and challenges.
Katsina State, with a land area of approximately 24,192 square kilometers and a population of over 8 million people, is located in northwestern Nigeria. The state is known for its rich agricultural heritage, serving as a major producer of groundnuts, cotton, and millet. Katsina's strategic position along ancient trans-Saharan trade routes has shaped its vibrant commercial culture and diverse communities.
HIS EXCELLENCY
NASIR IDRIS
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, KEBBI STATE
From the Executive Governor
Kebbi State
Our vision is to transform Kebbi into a model of agricultural excellence and sustainable development. We are dedicated to harnessing our state's vast agricultural potential while ensuring every citizen benefits from equitable governance and quality service delivery. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, we are building a prosperous future for all Kebbi people.
Kebbi State covers approximately 36,800 square kilometers with a population of over 4.4 million people. Located along the banks of the Niger and Sokoto rivers, the state is renowned as Nigeria's rice bowl, producing vast quantities of rice and other crops. Its fertile floodplains and commitment to irrigation farming make it a critical player in Nigeria's food security efforts.
HIS EXCELLENCY
AHMAD ALIYU
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, SOKOTO STATE
From the Executive Governor
Sokoto State
We are committed to restoring Sokoto's glory as a center of learning, trade, and cultural heritage. Our administration prioritizes education, healthcare, and infrastructure development while fostering unity among our diverse communities. Through collaborative governance and inclusive policies, we are creating opportunities that will benefit current and future generations.
Sokoto State, spanning 25,973 square kilometers with a population exceeding 5.3 million, holds significant historical importance as the seat of the Sokoto Caliphate. The state is a major producer of tomatoes, peppers, and onions, with thriving livestock farming. Its rich Islamic heritage and position as a spiritual center continue to influence the cultural landscape of northern Nigeria.
HIS EXCELLENCY
ABBA KABIR YUSUF
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, KANO STATE
From the Executive Governor
Kano State
Kano's renaissance begins with putting our people first through responsive governance, economic empowerment, and social justice. We are revitalizing our industrial base, supporting our entrepreneurial spirit, and investing in education and healthcare. Our goal is to restore Kano's position as the commercial heartbeat of northern Nigeria while ensuring inclusive growth for all citizens.
Kano State, with approximately 20,131 square kilometers and a population of over 16 million, is the most populous state in northern Nigeria. As a historic commercial hub, Kano boasts a vibrant economy driven by trade, manufacturing, and agriculture. The state is famous for its groundnut pyramids, textile industry, and the ancient Kurmi Market, one of Africa's oldest trading centers.
HIS EXCELLENCY
UBA SANI
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, KADUNA STATE
From the Executive Governor
Kaduna State
Our administration is focused on building a secure, prosperous, and united Kaduna State. We are committed to addressing security challenges, promoting peaceful coexistence among our diverse population, and driving economic growth through infrastructure development and investment promotion. Together, we are creating an environment where every citizen can thrive and contribute to our collective progress.
Kaduna State covers 46,053 square kilometers with a population of approximately 9.1 million people. Strategically located in the center of northern Nigeria, the state serves as a critical transportation and logistics hub. Kaduna's diverse economy includes manufacturing, agriculture, and services, with significant industrial zones and a legacy as a railway junction connecting different regions of the country.
HIS EXCELLENCY
DAUDA LAWAL
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, ZAMFARA STATE
From the Executive Governor
Zamfara State
We are determined to restore peace, rebuild communities, and unlock Zamfara's vast mineral and agricultural resources for the benefit of all citizens. Our administration prioritizes security as the foundation for development, while implementing programs that directly improve lives. Through transparent governance and community engagement, we are working tirelessly to give our people hope and a brighter future.
Zamfara State, spanning approximately 39,762 square kilometers with a population of over 4.5 million, is richly endowed with mineral resources including gold, copper, and lead. The state's economy is primarily agricultural, with significant production of cotton, tobacco, and livestock. Despite security challenges, Zamfara's potential for mining and agriculture remains substantial, positioning it as a key contributor to regional development.
HIS EXCELLENCY
UMAR NAMADI
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, JIGAWA STATE
From the Executive Governor
Jigawa State
Our mission is to build on Jigawa's strong foundation of good governance and development. We are expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare delivery, and supporting agricultural value chains that create jobs and wealth. Through prudent resource management and people-centered policies, we are ensuring that development reaches every corner of our state and touches every life.
Jigawa State covers approximately 23,154 square kilometers with a population of about 5.8 million people. Bordered by Kano to the west and sharing an international boundary with Niger Republic to the north, the state is predominantly agricultural. Jigawa is known for producing rice, wheat, sorghum, and millet, with significant irrigation projects along the Hadejia-Jama'are river basin that support year-round farming and economic stability.