In a landmark decision, Nigeria’s 36 state governors have unanimously agreed to dismantle illegal roadblocks and multiple taxation across the country, citing these as major contributors to soaring food inflation and economic hardship.
The resolution was reached during a closed-door meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja, which concluded early Thursday. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who read the communique, emphasized the urgent need to tackle these challenges to ease the burden on Nigerians and enhance food security nationwide.
The communique, signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, highlighted a detailed briefing delivered by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), alongside ministers from Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation.
The briefing exposed the detrimental impact of excessive checkpoints, unauthorized levies, and inadequate infrastructure on the cost and transportation of food and livestock across Nigeria.
The NGF was informed of a high-level inter-ministerial committee that has since submitted actionable recommendations aimed at streamlining taxes, removing illegal roadblocks, and improving supply chain efficiency.
Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated the governors’ commitment to a collaborative approach with federal agencies to implement these reforms swiftly, noting the critical role they play in curbing inflation and boosting economic stability.
While NSA Nuhu Ribadu, who led the federal delegation, declined to comment on the meeting’s outcomes, the emergency session underscores growing pressure on both state and federal governments to coordinate efforts amid escalating insecurity and economic strain.
The governors’ pledge signals a significant step toward dismantling bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long stifled trade and increased hardship for ordinary Nigerians, especially in the agricultural sector.
