The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has made new appointments to strengthen its operations.
NGF in a statement on Sunday night by the newly appointed Director, Media & Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, said it was done after an extensive assessment of organisational systems, human resources, and operational procedures to ensure that the forum functions in line with international best practice and remains focused on priority areas aligned with its strategic vision.
To this end, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, was confirmed as the Director General, while Mr. Edmund Nnaji, became Executive Director, Finance & Administration.
Prof. Dauda Olalekan Yinusa, a first class graduate and professor of Economics at
Obafemi Awolowo University, is made Executive Director, Policy,
Strategy & Research, while Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab is Executive Director, Programs & Partnerships.
Dr. Ahmed was Executive Director Health Advisor, before his elevation. He is expected to bring into his new appointment, decades of combined experience in the private sector, academia, and public service.
The new health executive advisor had led fiscal reforms and coordinated major World Bank–supported programmes, including NG-CARES and SFTAS.
Barr. Chuku Chijioke Chuku, a seasoned lawyer and governance professional
with over two decades of experience in law, policy, and institutional, was appointed General Counsel & Head, Energy, while Mrs. Hauwa Haliru-Hassan is made Director, Gender Affairs & CEO Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF).
Dr. Ibrahim Ahmad Katsina, a seasoned security and conflict resolution expert, is NGF’s Senior Security Adviser.
Abdullahi, id a veteran journalist, broadcaster, public affairs strategist, and communicator, wss before his appointment as Director of Media and Strategic Communication, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning (2019–2023) and Director of Special Duties at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.
He was also an Alumnus of the University of Southern.
The statement explained the appointments are to further consolidate the “secretariat’s technical depth and sectoral expertise, ensuring stronger
program delivery, cross-cutting policy coordination, and more robust engagement with member states and partners.
“These appointments underscore the NGF’s commitment to building a high-performing, multidisciplinary leadership team capable of addressing Nigeria’s
complex governance challenges—ranging from economic transformation and security to human capital development and effective public communication.
