The Southern Governors Forum announced plans to establish the Southern States Development Agenda (SSDA) to foster trade, investment, sustainable growth, economic prosperity, social harmony, and food security in the region.

According to a communiqué issued after their meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the SSDA will collaborate with state Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agencies, the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and other multilateral agencies to achieve its goals.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State was elected as the new Chairman of the Forum, with Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State chosen as Vice Chairman.

Key Resolutions:

1. Agricultural Resurgence: The Forum resolved to intensify agricultural initiatives suited to each region, promoting food security, self-reliance, and employment. Special agro-processing zones will be established to maximize the value of the agro-value chain.
2. Infrastructure Development: Applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, the Forum urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate and transfer trunk roads to interested states. A regional multimodal transport master plan will be commissioned to enhance connectivity.
3. Power Supply: Addressing inadequate power supply, the Forum set a target of 90,000 MW to serve 90 million people in the region. States are encouraged to leverage constitutional amendments allowing them to regulate electricity and consider renewable energy sources.
4. Energy Transition: Supporting the Energy Transition program, the Forum advocated for a swift transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) before full deregulation of petrol to mitigate its impact on citizens.
5. Food Security and Palliatives: Governors commended President Tinubu for food palliatives and committed to complementing these efforts in their states. States are urged to continue agricultural initiatives for food sufficiency and to establish agro-processing zones.
6. Minimum Wage and Fiscal Federalism: The Forum agreed that minimum wages should reflect the cost of living, with each state negotiating its rate. Discussions on fiscal federalism included the need for state police and control over solid mineral exploration and exploitation.
7. Local Governance: Expressing concern over the tenure controversy of Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State, the Forum supported adherence to the law and constitution.
8. Unity and Collaboration: Emphasizing unity and shared bonds of enterprise and culture, the Forum committed to intra-region trade, partnerships, and investment facilitation through a coordinated collaborative approach.

The SSDA team will be tasked with creating a comprehensive plan to achieve these objectives, working closely with state agencies and international bodies.

Next Steps:

The Southern Governors Forum will hold quarterly meetings, rotating among member states, to continue their collaborative efforts towards regional development.