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ABUJA – The Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s (NGF) on Thursday acknowledged the severe economic challenges facing Nigerians, particularly due to the removal of the fuel subsidy, while expressing optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms will bring relief soon.
In a communique read after physical meeting that started Wednesday night till Thursday morning in Abuja, the governors emphasized their commitment to improving local production and reducing costs, highlighting ongoing collaborations with various agencies to enhance security and healthcare in the country.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who read out the communique to newsmen in company of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the NGF Chairman, outlined the governors’ position during a media briefing following the NGF meeting in Abuja.
The governors, in the Communique, shared its optimism that their recent meetings with the Acting Director General of the Department of State Security, Adeola Ajayi, and the National Security Adviser’s office would strengthen security cooperation with states.
Uzodinma, reading the NGF communiqué, stated, “We also met with the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, who briefed us on the complete subsidy removal, the challenges the corporation faces, and his plans to alleviate the suffering caused by rising pump prices.
“We hope that relief is on the horizon. We sympathise with our people and acknowledge the hardship across the country. We appreciate the President’s ongoing reforms, and our hope is that the awaited relief arrives soon so we can fully realise the benefits of these reforms and work towards a better Nigeria.”
Uzodinma assured that the NNPC and other stakeholders are working tirelessly to reduce fuel queues. He also urged relevant agencies to repair the Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and other refineries to boost local production and lower petrol prices.
He added, “The Forum received an update from the Group CEO of NNPC Limited on key developments in the corporation’s operations, including the National Crude and Condensate Production profile, the Production War Room initiative, and security efforts to combat illegal connections and vandalism.
“Governors acknowledged the importance of these measures in securing Nigeria’s energy resources and improving the efficiency of NNPC’s production and supply chain.
“The Forum also received a presentation from the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), a specialised 500-bed hospital aimed at providing high-quality diagnostics and treatment in oncology, cardiovascular, and haematological care, along with general medical and surgical services.
Recognising the AMCE’s potential to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare capacity, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to partnerships that support the development of such specialised facilities to improve health outcomes nationwide.”
Uzodinma assured Nigerians that with strategic planning, the cost of living and doing business would become more manageable.
He also confirmed that the 36 state governors are committed to supporting President Tinubu’s administration in safeguarding the interests of all Nigerians.
He continued, “The Forum received a presentation from the new Director General of the Department of State Security on the current security challenges in Nigeria and the ongoing initiatives to address them.
The Director General highlighted recent inter-agency collaborations, enhanced monitoring, and stronger enforcement aimed at curbing illegal activities, and sought the governors’ support for these measures. The governors reaffirmed their support for collaborative efforts to protect the nation.
“The Forum also received a briefing from the Pioneer Director of State Liaison in the Office of the National Security Adviser, which focused on enhancing collaboration with states and strengthening communication channels.
“The Director outlined new strategies to support state-level security efforts and promote a unified approach to national security challenges. Governors acknowledged the importance of this collaboration and expressed their commitment to active engagement in these coordinated efforts”.
