Nigerian Governors unite to tackle economic hardship, food crisis

In a concerted effort to combat the ongoing economic challenges and food crisis plaguing Nigeria, the Governors of the 36 states have joined forces.

Following a pivotal meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has mobilized to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians, especially in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal.

According to a report released by Halimah Salihu Ahmed, the Acting Head of Media for NGF, the governors are fully committed to implementing diverse strategies aimed at easing the burden on citizens nationwide.

NGF Chairman, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, along with Governors Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Ahmed Ododo (Kogi), are spearheading efforts to boost crop production in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to address food shortages.

The report highlights specific initiatives across various states, such as plans in Akwa Ibom to establish a state agency for the procurement and sale of food items at reduced prices.

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Meanwhile, authorities in Kano and Yobe are cracking down on food hoarding, implementing measures to deter bulk purchases and exports.

Governors Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger) and Peter Mbah (Enugu) are channeling investments into agriculture and rural economic development to combat hunger and poverty. In Niger State, Governor Bago has instituted a ban on mass foodstuff purchases, aiming to redistribute confiscated products to the populace.

The NGF report underscores a range of state-level actions, including warehouse raids in Kano, restrictions on bulk grain purchases in Yobe, and agricultural investment initiatives in Enugu. Additionally, diplomatic engagements, such as Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal’s discussions with the Swedish Ambassador, are underway to bolster the state’s economy.

NGF Chairman Abdulrazaq stressed the importance of focused efforts on dry season farming, outlining plans to engage in programs centered on cassava, rice, and maize cultivation. The objective is to enhance yield and contribute to national food security, with a view towards eventually exporting surplus produce to other regions. The governors acknowledge the pivotal role of the newly established Ministry of Agriculture in addressing the challenges of the past four years.