Nigeria’s Governors and Federal Government Unite to Combat Food Inflation and Security Threats

In response to escalating food inflation and security challenges, Nigeria’s 36 state governors have pledged coordinated action with the Federal Government. Their strategy aims to harmonize levies, remove illegal checkpoints, and facilitate seamless goods movement between states.

Hope Uzodimma, Imo State Governor and APC Governors Forum Chairman, stated that the Progressive Governors Forum and Nigeria Governors’ Forum have jointly agreed on implementing a state-level security system to support federal security frameworks.

Food inflation, which technically dropped to 21.14% year-on-year in May 2025 from 40.66% the previous year due to statistical adjustments, still shows a monthly increase to 2.19%. Several states, including major food producers, face rising food prices, revealing a disconnect between production and affordability.

The National Bureau of Statistics reports persistent high prices for staples like yam, pepper, cassava, and maize, driven by insecurity, supply chain disruptions, and costly transportation. At a meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, governors identified illegal levies, checkpoints, and poor infrastructure as significant inflation factors.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, delivering the communiqué, expressed concern over the World Bank’s failure to meet funding pledges under the NG-CARES programme despite states’ $2.2 billion investments. He said, “The Forum received a briefing… The proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure are key contributors to price inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply chain.”

The Forum urged a resolution to complete NG-CARES 1.0 before advancing to phase 2, which aims to build resilience for vulnerable households.

Governor Uzodimma, on his verified X page, reaffirmed governors’ commitment to lawful security measures amid worsening insecurity, citing the recent Benue massacre. He said, “Our resolve is unwavering, and our duty to the people remains our highest calling.”

President Tinubu’s visit to Benue and orders for arrests underscore the critical need to address insecurity, which hampers food production and distribution nationwide.