Nigeria’s former deputy governors have called for guaranteed representation for women, young people and marginalised minorities in executive and legislative offices.

The expressed the conviction that inclusive leadership is essential to rebuilding public trust and bridging the gap between government and citizens.

The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) made the demand in a 16-point communiqué issued at the end of its fifth national conference held at the Abuja Continental Hotel from October 20 to 21.

The forum urged governments at the federal, state and local levels to introduce gender quotas and other measures that would give underrepresented groups greater access to political leadership and decision-making.

The conference was chaired by former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, with former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as co-chairman.

It was held under the theme, “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition for Sustainable Development.”

The former deputy governors identified poor communication, weak accountability and inadequate attention to competence in public appointments as factors undermining citizens’ confidence in government.

They called for a national communication framework requiring public officials to explain government policies, achievements and shortcomings honestly.

The forum also advocated merit-based appointments, urging authorities to give greater consideration to competence and character when filling public offices.

It recommended that government agencies adopt published service standards, including clear processing timelines and accessible channels for citizens to lodge complaints.

To strengthen accountability between elections, the forum proposed formalising ward-level consultative assemblies where community representatives could regularly engage public officeholders on local concerns and development priorities.

It also called for constitutional provisions defining the role of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s governance structure.

On economic development, the former deputy governors urged the Federal Government to harness the country’s youthful population, agricultural resources, solid minerals and technological capabilities to accelerate national growth.

They called for the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and greater support for young Nigerians involved in digital innovation.

The forum further advocated an appropriate regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, alongside sustained investment in security agencies.

It also urged governments to improve teachers’ remuneration, describing teachers as role models whose contributions to national development deserve greater recognition.

On national values, the communiqué called for the preservation and adaptation of beneficial cultural traditions, stronger family and community relationships, and mutual respect between leaders and citizens.

The forum also recommended public education on chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, to promote civic awareness and patriotism.

It further advocated programmes to support the reintegration of former convicts into society.

The communiqué was signed by the forum’s National Chairman, Chris Alozie Akomas; Deputy National Chairman (South), Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Deputy National Chairman (North), Mukhtar Ahmed Anka.

The recommendations place inclusive leadership, accountable institutions, grassroots participation and responsible citizenship at the centre of the forum’s proposed approach to sustainable national development.