President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday met with all the 36 State Governors in Nigeria for the second time since he inaugurated the National Economic Council as the country grapples with economic and security challenges.
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The meeting was held under the auspices of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. With the challenges facing the country which includes but not limited to rising food prices, fast depreciating national currency and spats of insecurity in multiple parts of the country, a meeting of the National Economic Council was timely.
At the meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Also in attendance were Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari; and Information, Mohammed Idris.
Governors that attended are those of Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Imo, Hope Uzodinma; Borno, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Edo, Godwin Obaseki; Rivers, Sim Fubara; Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji, Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule and Anambra Prof. Charles Soludo.
Also present are the Governors of Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang; Kaduna, Uba Sani; Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri; Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Kogi, Ahmed Ododo; Yobe, Mai Mala Buni; Niger, Mohammed Bago; Abia, Alex Otti; Enugu, Peter Mbah; Benue, Hyacinth Alia and Babajide Sandi-Olu of Lagos.
Meanwhile, the Governors of Delta, Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Sokoto are Kano are represented by their deputies.
Highlights of the President’s meeting with the State Governors are listed below as published by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre on X (formerly Twitter);
On Insecurity and Food Production:
– The President emphasized the need to address insecurity affecting farming and food production by proposing recruitment of more Police Personnel, establishment of State Police, and strengthening of Forest Rangers.
– Discussion on modalities for State Police and security issues to be continued at the National Economic Council.
On Rising Cost of Food:
– The President emphasized on collaboration between State and Federal governments to increase local food production.
– The President discouraged food importation and advocated for support of local farmers and producers.
– The President urged the State Governors to combat hoarding of food items, following Kano State’s example.
– The President directed the Inspector General of Police, National Security Adviser and Department of State Services to monitor warehouses hoarding food items across the country.
On Livestock Development:
– Mr President urged the State Governors to focus on livestock development, particularly poultry and fishing products.
On Youth Empowerment:
– The President urged Governors to create more economic opportunities for youths to enhance productivity and engagement.
On Workers’ Welfare: – Mr President advised the State Governors to clear salary arrears, gratuities, and pensioners’ dues in order to inject money into the economy.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur