NSA, 36 States Unite to Tackle Food Inflation
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 across the country.
This comes as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, stated that both the Progressive Governors Forum and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum agreed on the urgent need to adopt the long-standing proposal for a state-level security system to support federal initiatives.
Food inflation continues to strain household incomes across Nigeria, despite a technical drop in the year-on-year national average, which stood at 21.14% in May.
This sharp drop from 40.66% in May 2024 is largely due to a change in the base year, which affects year-on-year comparisons.
However, the month-on-month rate rose slightly to 2.19%, compared to 2.06% in April, reflecting ongoing price pressures in specific food items.
At the sub-national level, several states are witnessing sharp increases in food prices. What is even more striking is that many of the states experiencing the highest food inflation are also major producers of food crops, highlighting a disconnect between local production and affordability.
While national food inflation appears to be moderating due to statistical base effects, real-time price pressures are intensifying in several states. Supply disruptions, insecurity, and high transportation costs remain key drivers of food inflation across Nigeria.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, prices of staple items like yam, pepper, cassava, and maize remain high, with varying pressures across regions.
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 that widespread checkpoints, unlawful levies, and inadequate infrastructure were major factors driving food price inflation and disrupting the food supply chain.
In a communiqué delivered by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the NGF voiced concerns 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.
Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that states had collectively invested more than US$2.2bn through the NG-CARES implementation platforms.”
The communique added, “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 emphasised 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.”
Meanwhile, in a post on his verified X page, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Thursday noted that while governors awaited additional security measures from the President, they remained fully committed to taking lawful action necessary to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
Insecurity has worsened across Nigeria, leading to the loss of many lives and the displacement of countless citizens from their homes, the latest being the killing of hundreds of people in Yelewata in Benue State.
The deadly attack, which occurred on the night of June 13, when approximately 200 villagers were reportedly killed, sparked widespread condemnation and deep concern nationwide.
President Bola Tinubu visited the state on Wednesday to calm frayed nerves and ordered the arrest of perpetrators of the mayhem.
Following the meetings of the Progressive Governors and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja, Uzodimma stated in his post that their commitment remained firm, adding that their responsibility to serve the people continued to be their top priority.
He stated, “On the critical issue of national security, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have jointly resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s model aimed at empowering States and communities to address persistent security challenges.
“In our deliberations yesterday, following Mr. President’s visit to Benue State, we reviewed the prevailing security architecture and reached a consensus on the urgent need to adopt the long-advocated State security system as a complement to federal efforts.
“In Imo State, we have proactively embraced this model, deploying it across the length and breadth of our communities. This has led to tangible progress in tackling security threats, enhancing response mechanisms, and restoring citizens’ confidence. Our approach is continually being fortified through intelligence gathering, community engagement, and lawful enforcement strategies.
“As we await the rollout of further Presidential measures to deepen national security, we remain committed to doing our utmost – within the ambit of the law – to protect the lives and properties of our people.
“Our resolve is unwavering, and our duty to the people remains our highest calling.”
