The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has urgently requested discussions among stakeholders to tackle the food inflation, naira depreciation, and escalating insecurity in various parts of the country. The NGF, chaired by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, issued a communique following its emergency virtual session on Thursday. During the meeting, members deliberated on the security situation and food stability in the country.
Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted that the forum was briefed by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the representative Director-General of the Department of State Service. He emphasized the importance of addressing the interconnected issues of food inflation, naira depreciation, and rising insecurity from a systemic perspective. The governors collectively agreed on immediate actions, including reducing foreign exchange demand through moral persuasion to lessen dependence on imported goods and services.
The governors also advocated for enhancing foreign exchange supply by easing commodity export requirements to stimulate exportation and foreign exchange availability. They underscored the significance of curbing illegal export of solid minerals and increasing crude oil production to bolster foreign exchange earnings.
Furthermore, the governors emphasized the need to strengthen enforcement efforts by reviewing the existing criminal justice laws in their respective states to ensure swift dispensation of justice for perpetrators of insecurity. They expressed their commitment to supporting the office of the National Security Adviser to enhance the nature and quality of intelligence in the states.
Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to implementing emergency food interventions, offering incentives, promoting food production, and releasing food items from strategic reserves. Moreover, the governors agreed to collaborate with food millers and commodity traders in their states to enhance immediate food availability.
These urgent actions signal the governors’ determination to address the pressing economic and security challenges facing Nigeria.
