Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Governors, FG Unite to Tackle Food Security Challenges

POSTED ON June 20, 2025 •   BREAKING NEWS      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
Food Inflation

The 36 state governors have come together to collaborate with the Federal Government on harmonizing levies, removing illegal checkpoints, and improving the movement of goods between states, all part of efforts aimed at addressing food security challenges nationwide. 

This development follows comments from Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, who emphasized the urgent need for a state-level security system to complement federal initiatives, as agreed upon by both the Progressive Governors Forum and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Food inflation continues to impact household budgets across Nigeria, despite a technical reduction in the year-on-year national average, which was recorded at 21.14% in May, a significant drop from 40.66% in May 2024, largely influenced by a change in the base year affecting year-on-year comparisons.

Notably, the month-on-month rate slightly increased to 2.19% from April’s 2.06%, reflecting ongoing price pressures in certain food categories. At the sub-national level, numerous states are experiencing sharp rises in food prices.

Particularly concerning is that many of those states with the highest food inflation are also significant producers of food crops, demonstrating a disconnect between local production and affordability.

While food inflation at the national level seems to be easing due to statistical base effects, real-time price pressures are intensifying in several states. Key drivers of food inflation throughout Nigeria include supply disruptions, insecurity, and elevated transportation costs.

The National Bureau of Statistics indicates that prices for staple foods such as yam, pepper, cassava, and maize remain high, with variation in pressures across different regions.

During a meeting with the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other stakeholders, the governors, under the Nigeria Governors Forum led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, identified widespread checkpoints, unauthorized levies, and poor infrastructure as significant contributors to food price inflation and disruptions in the food supply chain.

In a communiqué presented by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the NGF expressed dissatisfaction with the World Bank’s failure to fulfill its funding commitments under the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme.

He highlighted the presentation from the National Security Adviser, which detailed the rising costs of food and livestock transportation across the country.

The NSA's presentation indicated that the proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxes, and insufficient infrastructure heavily contribute to price inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply chain.

Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, the governors committed to collaborating with federal authorities to streamline levies, eliminate unlawful checkpoints, and enhance the movement of goods.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reported that states had together invested more than US$2.2 billion through NG-CARES implementation platforms. The communiqué further stated that the World Bank presented updates on the NG-CARES programme, noting significant state investments totaling over US$2.2 billion, benefiting more than 17 million direct beneficiaries.

The governors expressed concern regarding the World Bank's failure to meet its funding promises under NG-CARES 1.0, emphasizing the need for a resolution between the Bank and participating states to conclude the initial phase before progressing to NG-CARES 2.0, aimed at building long-term resilience for vulnerable households and businesses.

In a social media post, Governor Uzodimma remarked that while they await additional security measures from the President, they remain committed to taking lawful action to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

The situation of insecurity has worsened across Nigeria, leading to numerous fatalities and displacements, such as the recent attack in Yelewata, Benue State, where about 200 villagers were reportedly killed on June 13, resulting in nationwide outcry and concern. President Bola Tinubu visited the state to address the issue and ordered the apprehension of those responsible for the violence.

Following discussions among the Progressive Governors and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja, Uzodimma reiterated their firm commitment, stating that serving the people remains their highest priority.

He added, "Regarding national security, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have agreed to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s model to empower states and communities in addressing ongoing security challenges.

Our discussions yesterday, following the President's visit to Benue State, revealed a consensus on the immediate need for a state security system to complement federal efforts. In Imo State, we have proactively adopted this model, implemented across our communities, resulting in measurable progress in tackling security threats and restoring citizens' confidence.

Our efforts continue to be strengthened through intelligence gathering, community engagement, and lawful enforcement strategies. While we await further Presidential security measures, we are dedicated to doing everything possible, within legal bounds, to protect our citizens’ lives and properties. Our resolve is firm, and serving the people remains our highest duty."

READ ALSO
South-West Demands Five New States and Constitutional Recognition for Traditional Rulers in Ongoing Constitutional Review
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 4, 2025 0

The demand for the establishment of five new states, the recognition of traditional rulers in the co...

READ ALSO
Federal High Court Orders Reinstatement of  Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Calls Suspension "Excessive"
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 4, 2025 0

A Federal High Court in Abuja ruled on Friday that the Nigerian Senate exceeded its authority by sus...

READ ALSO
Calls for Autopsy: Ondo Govt. Faces Pressure to Exhume Late Governor Akeredolu's Body
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 30, 2025 0

The Ondo State Government may need to exhume the body of the late governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, f...

READ ALSO
Tinubu to Discuss Sustainable Governance at BRICS Summit in Rio
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 29, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday for the first leg of his two-p...

READ ALSO
Reps Launches Committee to Review CNG Policy Implementation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 27, 2025 0

The House of Representatives has formed an ad-hoc committee tasked with examining the Federal Govern...

READ ALSO
Nigeria Takes Bold Step towards Energy Independence with Naira-Based Crude Sales Initiative
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 25, 2025 0

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, alongside the Federal Government’s One-Stop-Sho...

READ ALSO
IPMAN Links Rising Petrol Prices to Crude Oil Costs and Market Dynamics
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 24, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Associati...

READ ALSO
Tinubu Launches National Mechanised Farming Programme to Tackle Food Insecurity
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 23, 2025 0

In a bid to combat food insecurity and encourage youth participation in farming, President Bola Tinu...

OUR CHANNELS:

Ex-D’Tigers coach Brown sets goals for new job
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

The former head coach of the Nigerian men's national basketball team, D'Tigers,Mike Brown,has s...


U.S. Reduces Visa Duration for Nigerians to Three Months
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

The U.S. Department of State has changed its five-year visa policy for Nigerians applying for non-im...


JAMB Sets 2024 Cut-Off Marks for Tertiary Institutions
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

The Joint Admissions Matriculation Board announced the admission cut-off marks for universities, pol...


Federal Government Launches Exclusive Passport Office for Senior Officials
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The federal government on Tuesday, inaugurated a new passport front office in Abuja...


African Democratic Congress Claims Government Coercion to Weaken Opposition Coalition
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of ta...


FG Urges Judiciary to Strengthen Capital Market for Economic Growth
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

The Federal Government has called on the judiciary to take a proactive role in strengthening the cap...


Reinventing Nigeria’s Fiscal Framework: A Call for Unity and Responsibility
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized his government's dedication to allocating sufficient resources...


CBN Mandates Capital Restoration Plans for Banks: A Step Towards Regulatory Compliance
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 8, 2025 0

The Central Bank of Nigeria has instructed banks to provide a capital restoration plan as part of it...


Nigeria Faces Teacher Shortage: Over 31 Million Learners Rely on Just 915,913 Educators
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

According to data from the Universal Basic Education, only 915,913 teachers are available for at lea...


Tinubu Calls for Equitable Global Framework at BRICS Summit
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu has advocated for a more equitable global framework regarding climate action,...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu