Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move to tackle the worsening food crisis and escalating insecurity across Nigeria, all 36 state governors have agreed to collaborate with the Federal Government to streamline levies, dismantle illegal checkpoints, and improve the movement of food and essential goods across the country.
The resolutions, made under the joint umbrella of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), mark a unified front against the country’s spiraling economic and security challenges.
The decisions were made during a high-level meeting in Abuja on Thursday, where the governors were briefed by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and several key federal ministers, including those of Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation.
Food Crisis Deepens Despite Technical Drop in Inflation
Nigeria’s food inflation remains a top concern, with prices of essential items continuing to surge across the country. While the National Bureau of Statistics reported a sharp year-on-year drop in food inflation—from 40.66% in May 2024 to 21.14% in May 2025—experts attribute this decline to a change in the statistical base year rather than an actual improvement in living conditions.
The month-on-month figure paints a more worrying picture, showing an increase to 2.19% in May from 2.06% in April, underscoring continued inflationary pressure on households.
Notably, several major food-producing states are among those experiencing the sharpest price spikes, suggesting a serious disconnect between agricultural output and affordability.
Factors such as rising insecurity, poor infrastructure, illegal roadblocks, and arbitrary levies have been identified as key contributors to supply chain disruptions and the resultant inflation.
Illegal Checkpoints and Levies Under Fire
During the NGF meeting chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors acknowledged that widespread illegal taxation and roadblocks were key drivers of price hikes. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, delivering the Forum’s communiqué, stated:
“The proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure are key contributors to price inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply chain.”
He further added that the governors had resolved to work closely with the Federal Government to streamline levies, dismantle unauthorized checkpoints, and ensure the free movement of goods across state borders.
The NSA’s presentation highlighted the operational and economic burdens imposed by these illegal practices, prompting the governors to endorse recommendations by a newly formed inter-ministerial committee tasked with addressing the issue.
State Security Systems to Complement Federal Forces
Security challenges across Nigeria remain dire. From farmer-herder clashes in the North Central to banditry in the Northwest and insurgency in the Northeast, insecurity continues to displace thousands and hamper economic activity—especially in agriculture.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the APC Governors Forum, revealed that both the PGF and NGF had agreed to adopt the long-debated model of a state-level security system.
Speaking via a post on his verified X account, he said the decision was reached following President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State in the wake of the Yelewata massacre, where about 200 villagers were reportedly killed by suspected armed militias.
“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,” Uzodimma wrote.
He cited the example of Imo State, where local security initiatives have reportedly enhanced response mechanisms and reduced threats through improved intelligence gathering and community engagement.
Uzodimma emphasized the governors’ readiness to support President Tinubu’s forthcoming security measures, pledging to act lawfully and decisively to safeguard lives and property.
$2.2 Billion Invested Through NG-CARES, But Concerns Over World Bank Support
Another major topic discussed was the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme. According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, states have collectively invested over US$2.2 billion into the initiative to support vulnerable households and small enterprises affected by economic shocks and insecurity.
Despite these investments, the World Bank—partner in the NG-CARES programme—has reportedly failed to fulfil its financial commitments for NG-CARES 1.0. The governors expressed deep concern over this lapse and urged an amicable resolution to unlock further funds and move ahead with NG-CARES 2.0, which aims to build long-term economic resilience.
“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,” the communiqué stated.
Benue Tragedy Highlights Urgency of Security Reforms
The urgency of security reforms was underscored by the recent massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, where armed attackers killed approximately 200 people on the night of June 13. The tragedy sparked national outrage, prompting President Tinubu to visit the state on June 18, where he vowed to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
In response, Uzodimma reaffirmed the governors’ unwavering commitment to the security of Nigerians.
“Our resolve is unwavering, and our duty to the people remains our highest calling,” he wrote.
Moving Forward
The outcomes of Thursday’s joint meetings point to a coordinated push by Nigeria’s sub-national governments to take a more proactive role in addressing the intertwined crises of food insecurity, inflation, and violence.
Key measures agreed upon include:
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Dismantling illegal roadblocks and harmonizing inter-state levies to ease food transportation.
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Adopting state-based security frameworks to supplement federal efforts.
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Pressuring the World Bank to honour its NG-CARES commitments.
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Fast-tracking infrastructure improvements to ensure better access to markets and agricultural zones.
While these measures provide a glimmer of hope, their success will depend on rapid and sustained implementation, effective coordination across government tiers, and a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability.
As food prices bite harder and insecurity intensifies, the expectations on Nigeria’s governors are growing. The coming months will determine whether their promises lead to meaningful change—or become yet another missed opportunity in the fight to stabilise the nation.
