In a significant display of unity and forward-thinking governance, Secretaries to the Governments (SGSs) from states controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) have pledged to intensify inter-governmental partnerships, advance administrative overhauls, and embrace digital tools to streamline policy execution and public service delivery nationwide. This commitment emerged from the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Quarterly Strategy Meeting of SGSs, underscoring a collective drive to align sub-national efforts with broader national objectives under the APC banner.
The pivotal two-day gathering, spanning Thursday, October 30, to Friday, October 31, 2025, took place at the prestigious Unity Hall within the Government House in Asaba, Delta State. Hosted graciously by the Delta State Government and expertly coordinated by the PGF Secretariat, the event revolved around the central theme: “Strengthening Sub-National Governance Synergy for Effective Policy Coordination in APC-Governed States.” This theme reflected the pressing need for cohesive strategies amid Nigeria's complex federal structure, where state-level innovations can significantly influence national progress.
Attendees included a robust assembly of high-ranking officials, seasoned policy analysts, and technical experts drawn from various APC-led states. The meeting served as a platform for candid discussions, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning, highlighting the indispensable role of SGSs in bridging gaps between federal directives and state implementations. As the communiqué aptly noted, these secretaries are "critical drivers of policy coordination, harmonization, and implementation," acting as linchpins in ensuring that governmental actions are synchronized and impactful.
A joint communiqué, endorsed by SGSs and senior delegates from participating states, opened with heartfelt commendations for President Bola Tinubu and the Progressive Governors. Their "visionary leadership and commitment to deepening governance reforms" were praised for steering the nation toward fulfilling its electoral mandates and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This acknowledgment set a tone of optimism, reinforcing the APC's narrative of transformative change at both federal and state levels.
Delving into core resolutions, the forum emphasized bolstering the institutional frameworks of SGS offices to function as central hubs for policy alignment. This move aims to foster seamless coherence between initiatives from the Federal Government and those at the state level, minimizing redundancies and maximizing resource utilization. In an era where policy silos can hinder development, such alignment is crucial for addressing shared challenges like economic recovery, infrastructure development, and social welfare.
A major highlight was the urgent call for administrative reforms coupled with the integration of digital governance systems. Participants recognized that modernizing the public service is non-negotiable for achieving operational efficiency in a digital age. To this end, states committed to exchanging best practices, standardizing procedures across administrations, and rolling out technology-infused solutions. These innovations are designed to promote transparency by making government processes more accessible to citizens, enhance accountability through auditable digital trails, and support data-driven decision-making. Imagine a scenario where real-time data analytics inform budget allocations or track project milestones— this is the vision the APC states are pursuing to elevate service delivery.
Further solidifying their approach, the meeting adopted a unified Performance Management Framework. This tool will enable systematic measurement and monitoring of government programs and policies at the sub-national tier. Collaboratively developed with the PGF Secretariat, the framework will synchronize state-level performance metrics with national priorities, allowing for quantifiable assessments of progress. In practice, this could mean standardized KPIs for education, healthcare, or agriculture initiatives, ensuring that successes in one state inspire replication in others while failures prompt timely corrections.
The forum reiterated its dedication to synergy via peer-to-peer learning, rigorous evidence-based policy evaluations, and collaborative training programs. The PGF Secretariat was spotlighted for its pivotal role in orchestrating technical collaborations, sparking innovations, and instituting results-oriented management practices among member states. This secretariat, under the stewardship of Director General Mr. Folorunsho Aluko, received accolades for its tireless efforts in fortifying ties and driving collective advancements.
Participants vowed to lead reforms within their jurisdictions that propel the Renewed Hope Agenda forward. This includes cultivating inclusive governance models that engage diverse stakeholders, accelerating developmental milestones, and maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability, and excellence in public administration. Such pledges are not mere rhetoric; they represent actionable steps toward tangible improvements in citizens' lives, from job creation to infrastructure upgrades.
Gratitude was extended to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his exemplary hosting and the exceptional hospitality provided to delegates. The warm reception underscored the spirit of camaraderie that defines the PGF. Similarly, the PGF Secretariat and its leadership were lauded for their strategic oversight and unwavering support in nurturing inter-state cooperation.
The opening session featured notable senior government figures, whose attendance symbolized a shared resolve to uplift governance standards across progressive states. As deliberations wrapped up, the group unanimously selected Nasarawa State to host the forthcoming PGF Quarterly Strategy Meeting in the first quarter of 2026, ensuring continuity in this vital dialogue.
The communiqué bore the signatures of key figures, including Dr. Kingsley Emu from Delta State, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D., from Kogi State, Dr. Shuaibu Magaji Labaran, SAN, from Nasarawa State, Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro from Ekiti State, Mr. Olatokunbo Talabi from Ogun State, Mrs. Serumun Aber, Esq., from Benue State, Prof. Grace Umezuirike from Ebonyi State, Abdullahi Garba Faskari from Katsina State, and Mr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., from Edo State, alongside other distinguished representatives.
This meeting arrives at a critical juncture for Nigeria, where APC-governed states—spanning diverse regions and economies—hold substantial sway over the country's trajectory. By prioritizing digital transformation, the forum addresses global trends; nations worldwide are leveraging AI, blockchain, and big data to revolutionize public administration. For instance, standardized digital platforms could enable cross-state procurement systems, reducing costs and corruption risks. The performance framework, meanwhile, draws parallels to successful models like those in Rwanda or Estonia, where metrics-driven governance has yielded impressive efficiency gains.
Critically, these resolutions extend beyond APC strongholds, potentially influencing opposition-led states through demonstrated best practices. They align with President Tinubu's economic reforms, such as subsidy removals and forex unification, by ensuring state-level adaptations are robust and citizen-focused. Challenges remain, including funding digital infrastructure in rural areas or training civil servants, but the commitment to shared resources via the PGF offers a pragmatic path forward.
In essence, the Asaba meeting exemplifies proactive federalism in action. It signals that APC states are not content with isolated progress but are forging a unified front to deliver on governance promises. As Nigeria navigates post-pandemic recovery and global uncertainties, such synergy could prove instrumental in achieving sustainable development goals. The upcoming Nasarawa session will be eagerly anticipated, building on this foundation to refine and expand these initiatives.
Ultimately, the PGF SGSs gathering reinforces the APC's governance philosophy: collaborative, innovative, and results-driven. By empowering SGSs as reform catalysts, the party is positioning its states as beacons of effective administration, inspiring broader national emulation. This is more than a quarterly meet-up; it's a blueprint for a more coordinated, efficient, and accountable Nigeria.
