Gov. Hope Uzodinma has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s diplomatic corps and the Federal Government to drive sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (NGF), spoke on Monday during an interactive session with diplomats in Abuja.
The Imo governor, who also serves as Director-General of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, stressed the importance of strategic international partnerships.
The session carried the theme, ‘Deepening partnership for democratic stability, investment, development cooperation and inclusive prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.’
Truthng reports discussions focused on democratic stability, reforms, investment, governance partnerships, security cooperation and sustainable national development.
Addressing diplomats, Uzodimma described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a practical policy framework guiding Nigeria’s transformation.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a campaign slogan, it is a coherent policy framework,” he said.
He explained that the framework was anchored on economic reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and restoring investor confidence.
“Your governments and your investors have an opportunity to align with this framework for outsized returns,” he stated.
According to him, improved macroeconomic stability has created conditions that make private investment increasingly bankable across sectors.
“Where you are facilitating private investment, the macro stability has made such investment more bankable,” Uzodimma said.
He added that the Federal Government had also shown stronger commitment to security cooperation and operational delivery.
“Where you pursue security cooperation, the political will at the highest level is now consistent,” he added.
Uzodinma said the agenda was designed to restore Nigerians’ confidence through visionary leadership and purposeful reforms.
He described the Nigeria-UK Strategic Partnership as a practical model deserving consideration by other international partners.
The governor said the agreement, formalised during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Britain, reflected shared developmental goals.
Also speaking, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, said the engagement aligned with national planning objectives.
Bagudu said the forum represented federating units essential to delivering the Federal Government’s development priorities.
“This session is in tandem with the mandate of our ministry,” Bagudu said.
He described the engagement as timely as Nigeria advances implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Strong emphasis remains on economic recovery, inclusive growth, governance, security and sustainable development,” he stated.
Bagudu added that democratic dividends and respect for rule of law remained central national priorities.
Speaking for the diplomatic corps, Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, praised the initiative.
Mignot said the meeting strengthened ties between governors and the international diplomatic community.
“What we try to do as international partners is align with your project,” he said.
He described governors as essential partners in tackling security challenges, poverty and humanitarian concerns.
“When it comes to trade and investment, governors are also a priority for embassies,” Mignot added.
He described Nigeria as a country with enormous economic opportunities and strategic importance.
Participants from across diplomatic missions also made contributions during the interactive session.
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Vice-Chairman of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, delivered the vote of thanks.
