Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has been elected President of the Forum of African Regions (FORAF), a continental body focused on strengthening regional cooperation, decentralisation, and sustainable development across Africa.

Governor AbdulRazaq was elected during the FORAF General Assembly held in Tangier, Morocco, on the sidelines of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Congress.

His election places Nigeria at the forefront of efforts to deepen collaboration among subnational governments and regional authorities across the continent.

The Forum of African Regions serves as a platform for advancing socioeconomic development, promoting decentralisation and devolution, and positioning regional and state governments as critical drivers of Africa’s integration and sustainable growth agenda.

Announcing the outcome of the election, FORAF congratulated AbdulRazaq on his emergence as President and unveiled the newly elected regional vice presidents who will support him in steering the organisation.

The vice presidents are Mr. Ousmanou Oumarou of the Association of Regions of Cameroon for Central Africa, Ms. Mbarka Bouaida of the Association of Regions of Morocco for North Africa, Mr. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o of Kisumu County, Kenya, for East Africa, and Mr. Panyaza Lesufi of Gauteng Province, South Africa, for Southern Africa.

According to the organisation, the new leadership team will focus on strengthening decentralised cooperation, amplifying the voice of African regions, and fostering stronger partnerships among subnational governments across the continent.

Speaking during a session at the congress, Governor AbdulRazaq called for deeper collaboration among African countries and regional governments, stressing that greater integration is essential to unlocking the continent’s development potential.

“It has often been observed that geography has constrained economic integration in parts of Africa. However, history has also shown that visionary leadership, strategic investment, and regional cooperation can overcome geographical barriers,” he said.

The governor noted that many countries around the world have successfully addressed geographic limitations through investments in infrastructure, transport networks, trade corridors, and connectivity projects that link markets and people.

“Around the world, nations have reduced the limitations imposed by geography through infrastructure, transport corridors, canals, and other forms of connectivity that link people, markets, and opportunities,” he said.

According to him, Africa possesses the capacity to achieve similar results through collective action and stronger regional partnerships.

“Africa has the capacity to do the same. By working together, investing in connectivity, and strengthening partnerships among our cities and regions, we can create sustainable linkages that support trade, innovation, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth,” he stated.

Governor AbdulRazaq further urged African leaders to view the continent through the lens of shared opportunities rather than geographic separation.

“Tangier and Cape Town should not merely be seen as distant points on a map, but as anchors of a connected African future. This vision is achievable if we act collectively and embrace the spirit of cooperation that this Congress represents,” he added.

His election comes at a time when discussions around regional integration, intra-African trade, decentralised governance, and sustainable development are gaining increasing prominence under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other continental initiatives.

As President of FORAF, AbdulRazaq is expected to play a key role in promoting stronger collaboration among Africa’s regional governments and advancing policies that support economic growth, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and inclusive prosperity across the continent.