The 36 state governors, operating as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have reaffirmed their dedication to collaborating with the Federal Government to standardise levies, eliminate unauthorised checkpoints, and facilitate the unobstructed flow of goods nationwide.

This commitment was made during their meeting in Abuja, as detailed in a communiqué signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and read by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

Governor Sanwo-Olu reported that the forum addressed various national issues, including the escalating food prices.

“The forum received a briefing from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, accompanied by the 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 food supply chain inefficiencies.

“The NSA noted that a high-level inter-ministerial committee has been established to address these concerns and has submitted its recommendations for endorsing 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,” he said

“Governors expressed concern over the non-fulfilment of funding pledges by the Bank under NG-CARES 1.0.

The World Bank presented an update on the NG-CARES program at the forum. 

Mr. Sanwo-Olu conveyed the governors’ apprehension regarding the Bank’s unfulfilled funding commitments for the NG-CARES 1.0 program. 

He observed that the Bank’s report indicated that states had invested over US$2.2 billion through NG-CARES delivery platforms, benefiting more than 17 million people.

Source: Premium Times