Abuja, Nigeria — June 20, 2025 In a bold move to address Nigeria’s growing food security crisis and the worsening effects of insecurity and high transport costs, the 36 state governors have jointly pledged to work closely with the Federal Government to harmonise levies, eliminate illegal checkpoints, and enhance the smooth flow of goods across the country.
This resolution was announced following meetings of both the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja. The meetings came in response to rising concerns over food inflation, disrupted food supply chains, and ongoing insecurity nationwide.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum, confirmed the governors’ unified decision to adopt a long-standing proposal for establishing state-level security systems to support federal initiatives in tackling insecurity.
“On the critical issue of national security, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have jointly resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s model aimed at empowering States and communities,” Uzodimma posted on his verified X page on Thursday.
Rising Food Prices Despite Inflation ‘Drop’
Despite a technical decline in the year-on-year food inflation rate, which stood at 21.14% in May 2025—a sharp drop from 40.66% in May 2024—households across Nigeria are still facing severe price pressures. The drop is largely due to a statistical base-year change, which affects how inflation is calculated.
On a month-to-month basis, food prices are still climbing, with the rate increasing to 2.19% in May from 2.06% in April. Key food items such as yam, cassava, pepper, and maize remain expensive across many regions.
Ironically, many states facing the highest food inflation rates are also major producers of these food items, revealing a serious disconnect between production and local affordability. Experts say this is largely due to insecurity, supply disruptions, and high transportation costs, especially from rural farms to city markets.
Governors Identify Root Causes
At a high-level meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Ministers of Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation, the NGF outlined specific drivers of food inflation:
- Proliferation of illegal checkpoints
- Unlawful levies by local agents
- Poor road and transport infrastructure
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who delivered the NGF communiqué, said the governors were committed to dismantling unauthorised roadblocks and streamlining levies to lower transportation costs and improve the food distribution network.
“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,” he stated.
$2.2 Billion Investment Under Threat
The governors also voiced their frustration with the World Bank over its failure to honour financial commitments under the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme. The programme, which is aimed at supporting vulnerable households and businesses, has so far reached over 17 million Nigerians, with states investing more than US$2.2 billion.
The NGF called for a resolution of the impasse to allow the completion of NG-CARES 1.0 and the smooth launch of NG-CARES 2.0, which is intended to build long-term resilience for low-income communities.
Security Crisis Deepens in the North Central
The issue of insecurity was further highlighted by the massacre of over 200 villagers in Yelewata, Benue State, on June 13. The deadly attack triggered nationwide outrage and led President Bola Tinubu to make a personal visit to the state on Wednesday, where he ordered the arrest of those responsible and pledged greater federal intervention.
Governor Uzodimma described the killings as “heart-wrenching,” reiterating that state-level security structures, as implemented in Imo, have helped respond faster and more effectively to local threats.
“Our resolve is unwavering, and our duty to the people remains our highest calling,” Uzodimma declared.
Next Steps
- A federal inter-ministerial committee has submitted key recommendations to tackle illegal levies, checkpoints, and transport inefficiencies.
- Governors are expected to adopt state security systems with backing from the presidency.
- Talks between the World Bank and Nigerian states are ongoing to resume NG-CARES funding.
The governors have affirmed that they remain united in their commitment to restoring food security, improving safety, and reducing the economic pressure on Nigerians.
