The 36 state governors have agreed to work closely with the Federal Government to harmonise levies, eliminate illegal checkpoints, and enhance the free flow of goods across states as part of efforts to address food security issues.
Speaking under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors disclosed after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other key stakeholders on Thursday morning that widespread checkpoints, unlawful levies, and inadequate infrastructure are major factors driving food price inflation and disrupting the food supply chain.
In a communiqué read by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the NGF voiced concern over the World Bank’s failure to fulfill its funding commitments under the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus programme.
He stated, “The Forum received a briefing from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, accompanied by the Honourable Ministers of Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation, on the rising cost of food and livestock transportation across the country.
“The presentation revealed that the proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure are key contributors to price inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply
chain.
“The NSA noted that a high-level inter-ministerial committee has been established to address these concerns and has submitted its recommendations for the endorsement of the Forum.
“Governors acknowledged the urgency of the matter and expressed commitment to collaborate with federal authorities to streamline levies, dismantle unauthorised checkpoints, and improve the movement of goods across states.”
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that states have collectively invested more than $2.2bn through the NG-CARES implementation platforms.
The communique read in part, “The Forum received a presentation from the World Bank on the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme.
“The bank highlighted that states have made significant investments totaling over US$2.2 billion through the NG-CARES delivery platforms, with verified impacts reaching over 17 million direct beneficiaries.
“Governors expressed concern over the non-fulfilment of funding pledges by the bank under NG-CARES 1.0.
“The Forum emphasized the need for an amicable resolution between the World Bank and participating states to conclude the first phase of the programme before advancing to NG-CARES 2.0, which is designed to build long-term resilience for vulnerable households and enterprises.”
