The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has urged immediate dialogue among stakeholders to tackle food inflation, devaluation of the naira, and escalating insecurity across various regions of the nation.
This plea was articulated in a statement issued on Thursday following an emergency virtual meeting, chaired by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
AbdulRazaq highlighted that the forum extensively discussed the nation’s security landscape and food security during the session. He further noted that governors were briefed by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Service.
”We all agreed that it is important to address the connection between food inflation, naira depreciation, and rising insecurity across parts of the country from a systemic perspective.
”The governors also agreed on immediate actions, including reduction of foreign exchange demand by use of moral persuasion to reduce dependence on foreign exchange, imported goods, and services,” he said.
Additionally, he mentioned the importance of enhancing foreign exchange availability by relaxing commodity export regulations to promote increased exportation and foreign exchange supply. He also emphasized the necessity of addressing illegal solid mineral exports and boosting crude oil production to bolster foreign exchange earnings.
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of reinforcing enforcement measures by revisiting existing criminal justice laws at the state level to expedite the prosecution of those involved in perpetrating insecurity within the states.
“We pledged support to the office of the National Security Adviser in the states to enhance the nature and quality of intelligence,” he said.
AbdulRazaq emphasized the governors’ dedication to implementing urgent food interventions, which encompass incentives, enhancing food production, and tapping into strategic reserves to release food items.
Additionally, he stated that the governors had reached a consensus to work closely with food millers and commodity traders within their respective states to enhance food accessibility as an immediate short-term measure.
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