Nigeria’s 36 state governors, under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have partnered with the Federal Government to address soaring food inflation and insecurity, focusing on harmonizing levies, removing illegal checkpoints, and improving goods transportation. This follows a meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and key ministers, highlighting how unauthorized levies, excessive checkpoints, and poor infrastructure drive food price spikes.
Food Inflation Challenges
Despite a year-on-year food inflation drop to 21.14% in May 2025 from 40.66% in 2024, due to a statistical base-year change, month-on-month inflation rose to 2.19% from 2.06%, signaling persistent price pressures. The National Bureau of Statistics noted high prices for staples like yam, pepper, cassava, and maize, particularly in food-producing states, exposing a gap between production and affordability. Supply chain disruptions, insecurity, and high transport costs remain key culprits.
Collaborative Solutions
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, delivering the NGF’s communiqué, outlined plans to streamline levies and dismantle unauthorized checkpoints to ease food supply chain inefficiencies. An inter-ministerial committee has submitted recommendations to address these issues, with governors pledging collaboration with federal authorities. Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma emphasized the adoption of state-level security systems to complement federal efforts, citing Imo’s success in deploying community-based security models to curb threats and boost confidence.
NG-CARES Funding Concerns
The NGF expressed frustration over the World Bank’s unfulfilled funding pledges for the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program, despite states investing over $2.2 billion, benefiting 17 million people. Governors urged resolution before advancing to NG-CARES 2.0, aimed at building resilience for vulnerable households.
Insecurity and Response
The initiative follows a deadly attack in Yelewata, Benue State, on June 13, where approximately 200 villagers were killed, prompting President Bola Tinubu’s visit and orders for arrests. Uzodimma reaffirmed governors’ commitment to lawful security measures, aligning with Tinubu’s strategy to empower states and communities to tackle persistent challenges.
