In a coordinated response to the rising cost of food and growing insecurity, Nigeria’s 36 state governors have resolved to work closely with the Federal Government to streamline levies, eliminate illegal checkpoints, and improve the movement of goods across the country.
This decision followed a high-level meeting in Abuja between state governors, the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, and ministers from key sectors, including Defence, Agriculture, Transportation, and Livestock Development.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), highlighted several pressing issues disrupting food supply chains and driving inflation, such as unlawful levies, multiple roadblocks, and poor infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu noted that, “Governors have agreed to intensify collaboration with federal authorities to eliminate unauthorised checkpoints and harmonise levies. These measures are vital to easing food transportation and controlling rising prices.”
Despite a technical decline in year-on-year food inflation to 21.14% in May 2025 attributed largely to a change in the base year month-on-month figures rose to 2.19%, reflecting persistent cost pressures across critical food items. States that are key agricultural producers are among those worst hit, with security challenges, poor logistics, and inconsistent taxation stifling local markets.
The NSA told the governors that an inter-ministerial committee had developed recommendations aimed at stabilising food supply chains, which are now awaiting formal endorsement by the Forum. Ribadu stressed that insecurity and structural inefficiencies must be addressed urgently to achieve meaningful relief.
Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), said both the PGF and NGF had reached consensus on the need for a state-supported security framework to reinforce federal efforts in tackling insecurity.
“In our review of the current security landscape, we agreed on the immediate necessity of adopting a state-level security system to complement national efforts. In Imo State, we have already begun implementing this approach with positive results,” Uzodimma wrote in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
The Imo governor reaffirmed the governors’ readiness to lawfully protect lives and property, stating that their “duty to the people remains our highest calling.”
In addition to security and logistics, the governors also raised concerns over funding shortfalls from international partners. According to the NGF, states have invested over $2.2 billion through the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) initiative. However, the World Bank has yet to fulfill certain financial commitments under the programme.
The NGF called for a prompt resolution with the World Bank to complete NG-CARES 1.0 and transition to the next phase, which is aimed at building resilience among vulnerable populations.
Security concerns were further amplified following a deadly attack on June 13 in Yelewata, Benue State, where reports indicated that over 200 villagers were killed. The tragedy prompted a visit by President Bola Tinubu, who assured the community of justice and ordered a full investigation into the massacre.
As insecurity and inflation continue to strain households across the country, governors say they are taking a more active role in shaping policies that address both immediate relief and long-term resilience.
