In a communique issued at the conclusion of their meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, the Southern Governors’ Forum emphasized that each state should have the autonomy to negotiate its minimum wage based on the cost of living and ability to pay.
Key points from the communique include:
Minimum Wage Negotiation: The Forum agreed that minimum wage should be reflective of each state’s cost of living and ability to pay, and that states should be allowed to negotiate their own minimum wage.
Fiscal Federalism and Mineral Licenses: The Forum called for strengthening fiscal federalism and devolution of powers. It expressed concerns over the current practice of issuing mineral licenses without involving state governments, leading to criminal activities, environmental impact, and lack of revenue for states and the Federal Government.
Power Supply and Energy Transition: The governors highlighted the need to improve power supply in the region by leveraging the recent constitutional amendment allowing states to regulate, generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. They resolved to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy, specifically Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), to reduce transportation costs and lower the cost of goods and services.
Infrastructure and Transportation: The Forum urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate, repair, and reconstruct Trunk A roads and to transfer some roads to interested states. They praised President Tinubu for initiating the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road construction. The governors resolved to develop a regional multimodal transport master plan to improve connectivity and ease of doing business.
Southern States Development Agenda (SSDA): A team will be set up to create a holistic plan for trade, investment, sustainable growth, economic prosperity, social harmony, and food security in the region. This agenda will work with state investment agencies, the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and other relevant bodies.
State Police Advocacy: The governors reiterated their support for the creation of state police, citing the success of regional community-based security outfits in intelligence gathering.
Unity and Collaboration: The Forum resolved to maintain unity and a shared purpose, emphasizing the strong cultural and economic bonds among southern states. They committed to fostering intra-regional trade, partnerships, and investment through a coordinated approach.
Support for Federal Government Initiatives: The governors commended President Tinubu for food palliative support to states and his economic recovery reforms. They pledged to support his efforts to reposition the country and build a better future.
Leadership and Meetings: Prince Dapo Abiodun was chosen as Chairman of the Forum, with Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo as Vice Chairman. The Forum will hold quarterly meetings, rotating among member states.
The meeting underscored the governors’ commitment to addressing regional issues collaboratively while advocating for greater autonomy and development within their states.
