As part of renewed efforts to deepen legislative governance and drive constitutional reforms across Nigeria, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, in Ilorin.
The meeting, which focused on building stronger synergy between the legislative and executive arms at the sub-national level, is part of Ogundoyin’s engagement strategy aimed at ensuring impactful and sustainable reforms across State Houses of Assembly.
During the meeting, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin briefed the NGF Chairman on wide-ranging reform initiatives introduced under his leadership of the Conference of Speakers.
He Stressed the need for partnership with governors to achieve legislative autonomy, institutional capacity building, enhanced public accountability, and robust inter-governmental collaboration.
“We are committed to repositioning State Houses of Assembly to be more impactful, autonomous, and responsive to the needs of our people.
“We believe that collaborating with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is critical to achieving these objectives,” Ogundoyin said.
He described the NGF as “a key ally in driving institutional change,” noting that “for meaningful reform to happen, we need our governors. Their partnership is not just important; it is pivotal.”
On the ongoing constitutional amendment process, the Conference Chairman emphasized the importance of alignment between the NGF and the Conference of Speakers on key proposals such as devolution of power, fiscal federalism, and the establishment of State Police.
“We look forward to a united front on constitutional reform. This is a historic opportunity to reshape governance for the better, and collaboration between our two bodies is essential,” Ogundoyin added.
Reacting, the NGF Chairman, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, commended Ogundoyin for his proactive and visionary leadership.
He reaffirmed the NGF’s readiness to partner with the Conference of Speakers in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions as well as promoting good governance across states.
Earlier in the day, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin also paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.
The two legislative leaders exchanged ideas on deepening inter-legislative collaboration and discussed the legislative priorities of the Conference going forward.