NGF names journalist Yunusa Abdullahi media director in leadership shake-up

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has appointed Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi as its new director of media and strategic communication.

In a statement on Monday, the NGF described Abdullahi as a broadcast journalist with nearly 30 years of experience.

He previously served as special adviser on media and communications to Zainab Ahmed, former minister of finance, budget and national planning from 2019 to 2023.

Abdullahi’s appointment as NGF spokesperson is a part of a broader leadership restructuring aimed at transforming the secretariat into a more agile and results-driven institution.

“A veteran journalist, broadcaster, public affairs strategist, and communicator. Mr. Abdullahi, an Alumnus of the University of Southern California, USC Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism, brings nearly three decades of experience to the NGF,” the statement reads.

“His mandate at the NGF includes shaping public messaging, managing media relations, enhancing digital visibility, and aligning communication strategies with the Forum’s governance priorities.”

The announcement of his appointment follows a “comprehensive organisational review” by Deloitte, an international management consultancy firm, which assessed the NGF’s systems, human resources, and operational procedures to “align the forum with international best practices and sharpen its focus on strategic priorities”.

The leadership overhaul also saw the appointment of Abdulateef Shittu as director-general; Edmund Nnaji as director of finance and administration; Dauda Olalekan Yinusa as executive director of policy, strategy and research; and Ibrahim Ahmad Katsina as senior security adviser, among others.

“These structural alignment and new appointments 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,” the statement reads.

“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.”