Former deputy governors in Nigeria have called for reforms to the national leadership recruitment process, increased representation of women and young people in governance, and stronger public accountability.

The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria made the call on Wednesday in a communiqué issued at the end of its 5th national conference held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Abuja.

The communiqué was signed by Chris Alozie Akoma, FFDGN’s national chairman; Hazeem Gbolarumi (deputy national chairman, South) and Mukhtar Ahmed Anka (deputy national chairman, North).

The forum said Nigeria’s leadership recruitment process needed to be reassessed to facilitate the emergence of credible individuals capable of earning citizens’ trust and securing legitimacy to govern. It also said that recruitment into the public service should prioritise competence, character and merit.

The forum urged the federal government to establish inclusive governance structures through gender quotas. It said the arrangement should reserve executive positions and legislative seats for women, young people and marginalised minorities at the federal, state and local government levels.

It recommended a strategic communication framework requiring public officials to communicate openly and honestly about government achievements and challenges to reduce public suspicion of governance.

The forum also called for the full implementation of clear service standards by government institutions, including defined processing timelines, communication requirements, accessibility provisions and channels for complaints and feedback.

The FFDGN commended the federal government and security agencies for their efforts to secure the country and urged sustained investment in security agencies to improve their operational efficiency. It further urged the government to harness the nation’s youthful population, agriculture and solid mineral resources, and intellectual and technological capacity for nation-building and sustainable development.

The forum identified the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex as part of the measures needed to advance national development. It encouraged political leaders to support young people in digital innovation and creativity and called for an effective regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.

On national values, the forum recommended sustained advocacy and public enlightenment on Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which contains the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, to promote patriotism.

It also urged governments at all levels to preserve and adapt enduring cultural practices to strengthen ethical leadership, social cohesion and national development.

The forum called for promoting family and community loyalty, as well as mutual respect between leaders and citizens.

It recommended an effective reintegration programme for former convicts. It urged formalising and strengthening ward-level consultative assemblies involving community representatives to improve communication between elected representatives and citizens.

The forum also called for improved teachers’ remuneration to strengthen their role as models for younger generations. It urged a clear constitutional definition of traditional rulers’ role to strengthen their contributions to cultural preservation and governance.

(NAN)