The Southern Governors’ Forum, representing 17 governors from South-West, South-East, and South-South zones, plans to generate 90,000 MW of electricity to serve 90 million residents. This initiative follows a rule of thumb of 1,000 MW per 1 million people. States are encouraged to leverage the recent constitutional amendment allowing them to regulate, generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, and consider renewable energy sources.
In a communique issued after their meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the governors also urged the Federal Government to let each state negotiate the new minimum wage with labor unions, considering the cost of living and financial capabilities. The communique was signed by all 17 governors, including newly elected Chairman Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Vice Chairman Charles Soludo of Anambra State.
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The forum expressed concern over the issuance of mineral licenses without state involvement, leading to criminal activities and environmental degradation. They called for stronger fiscal federalism and devolution of powers. The governors also resolved to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy, such as compressed natural gas and electric vehicles, to reduce transportation costs and improve the economy.
The Southern Governors praised President Bola Tinubu for initiating the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, which will boost productivity, tourism, and investment opportunities. They also advocated for the Federal Government to rehabilitate and transfer Trunk A roads to interested states and committed to enhancing regional trade, investment, and development through a coordinated approach.
