Gov. AbdulRazaq becomes forum of African regions’ president

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been elected as the President of the Forum of African Regions (FORAF).

Governor AbdulRazaq was elected alongside four regional vice presidents representing Central Africa, North Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa, further strengthening the forum’s continental leadership structure.

The election occurred on Monday in Tangier, Morocco, during the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Congress, placing a key Nigerian leader at the forefront of African regional governance.

A statement issued by Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Government House, Ilorin, Mashood Agboola, confirmed the development on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the new leadership is expected to advance decentralisation, regional cooperation and socioeconomic development across African regions.

The statement reads, “The mandate of the Forum of Governors Regions/States of Africa is to accelerate socioeconomic development, deepen decentralisation and devolution, and position subnational governments as key drivers of continental integration and sustainable development.”

The statement added that AbdulRazaq will work alongside newly elected vice presidents: Central Africa – Mr. Ousmanou Oumarou (Association of Regions of Cameroon); North Africa – Ms. Mbarka Bouaida (Association of Regions of Morocco); East Africa – Mr. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu County, Kenya); and Southern Africa – Mr. Panyaza Lesufi (Gauteng Province, South Africa).

“The body said it is poised for a renewed governance to amplify the voice of African regions and strengthen decentralised cooperation across the continent,” it added.

Reacting to his election during a session at the congress, AbdulRazaq stressed the importance of collaboration among African nations and subnational governments in achieving sustainable growth.

“It has often been observed that geography has constrained economic integration in parts of Africa.

“However, history has also shown that visionary leadership, strategic investment, and regional cooperation can overcome geographical barriers,” he said.

He noted that infrastructure and connectivity remain key tools for overcoming developmental challenges across the continent.

He said, “Around the world, nations have reduced the limitations imposed by geography through infrastructure, transport corridors, canals, and other forms of connectivity that link people, markets, and opportunities.”

AbdulRazaq added that Africa can achieve similar progress through cooperation and investment in connectivity.

He stated, “Africa has the capacity to do the same. By working together, investing in connectivity, and strengthening partnerships among our cities and regions, we can create sustainable linkages that support trade, innovation, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth.”

He further urged African leaders to adopt a shared vision of integration and development.

“Tangier and Cape Town should not merely be seen as distant points on a map, but as anchors of a connected African future.

“This vision is achievable if we act collectively and embrace the spirit of cooperation that this Congress represents,” he said.

The FORAF leadership is expected to focus on strengthening ties among African regions and promoting policies that enhance sustainable development and economic integration across the continent.