Rising Hardship: Govs Demand Reduction Of Exchange Rate, Make Other Demands

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has issued a call for urgent discussions among stakeholders to address the issues of food inflation, naira depreciation, and escalating insecurity prevailing across various parts of the country.

In a statement released on Thursday following its emergency virtual meeting, NGF Chairman Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State emphasized the necessity of addressing these interconnected challenges from a systemic perspective.

AbdulRazaq highlighted the deliberations held during the meeting, noting that the Governors were briefed by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Service.

He stated, ”We all agreed that it is important to address the connection between food inflation, naira depreciation and rising insecurity across parts of the country from a systemic perspective.”

The NGF chairman outlined immediate actions agreed upon by the Governors, which include reducing foreign exchange demand through moral persuasion to lessen dependence on imported goods and services. Additionally, measures were proposed to curb illegal exports of solid minerals and boost crude oil production to bolster foreign exchange earnings.

AbdulRazaq also emphasized the importance of supporting enhanced enforcement efforts by reviewing existing criminal justice laws in the states to ensure swift dispensation of justice for perpetrators of insecurity.

He affirmed, “We pledged support to the office of the National Security Adviser in the states to enhance the nature and quality of intelligence.”