Governors have reiterated their commitment to working closely with the federal government to harmonise levies, remove illegal checkpoints, and enhance the free movement of goods across states.

The governors made the pledge after the Nigeria Governors’ meeting in Abuja in a communique signed by the forum chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and read by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the forum at the meeting deliberated on issues affecting the country, including the rising cost of food.

“The forum received a briefing from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, accompanied by the ministers of defence, agriculture, livestock development, and transportation, on the rising cost of food and livestock transportation across the country.

“The presentation revealed that the proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure are key contributors to price inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply chain.

“The NSA noted that a high-level inter-ministerial committee has been established to address these concerns and has submitted its recommendations for the endorsement of the forum,” stated the Lagos governor.

Mr Sanwo-Olu added, “Governors acknowledged the urgency of the matter and expressed commitment to collaborate with federal authorities to streamline levies, dismantle unauthorised checkpoints, and improve the movement of goods across states.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu, who said the forum also received a presentation from the World Bank on the programme, expressed the governors’ concerns over the non-fulfilment of the bank’s funding pledges under the NG-CARES 1.0 programme.

According to him, the bank highlighted that states made significant investments totalling over $2.2 billion through the NG-CARES delivery platforms, with verified impacts reaching over 17 million direct beneficiaries.

“Governors expressed concern over the non-fulfilment of funding pledges by the bank under NG-CARES 1.0. 

“The forum emphasized 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, which is designed to build long-term resilience for vulnerable households and enterprises,” he said.

(NAN)