In a bid to combat rising food prices and supply disruptions, the 36 governors of Nigeria have agreed to partner with the Federal Government to harmonize levies, eliminate illegal checkpoints, and facilitate the smooth transit of goods between states.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, met with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside ministers of Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation on Thursday morning.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who read the communiqué, said, “The Forum received a briefing from the National Security Adviser… on the rising cost of food and livestock transportation across the country.”
He explained that the briefing identified checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure as key drivers of food inflation and supply chain inefficiencies.
The NSA revealed that a high-level inter-ministerial committee has been formed to tackle these challenges and has submitted recommendations for NGF’s approval.
Sanwo-Olu stated, “Governors acknowledged the urgency of the matter and expressed commitment to collaborate with federal authorities to streamline levies, dismantle unauthorized checkpoints, and improve the movement of goods across states.”
The communiqué also expressed concern over the World Bank’s failure to fulfill funding pledges under the NG-CARES programme, noting that states have invested over $2.2 billion benefiting millions.
“The Forum emphasized the need for an amicable resolution between the World Bank and participating states to conclude the first phase before moving to NG-CARES 2.0,” the communiqué added.