NGF takes steps to tackle food price hikes, to dismantle illegal roadblocks nationwide, multiple taxes

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has resolved to dismantle illegal roadblocks and multiple taxes across the country, which they believe to be contributing factors to food inflation.

This decision was made during an emergency meeting on Thursday in Abuja, attended by the 36 state governor, as they aimed to address the rising cost of food and livestock transportation, and improve the overall economy.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who read the communique at the end of the meeting, said the governors resolved to dismantle illegal road blocks and multiple taxes which they say was responsible for food inflation in the country.

The communique was signed by NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to Sanwo-Olu, “The Forum received a briefing from the National Security Adviser (NSA), accompanied by the Honourable Ministers of Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation, on the rising cost of food and livestock transportation across the country.

“The presentation revealed that the proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure are key contributors to price inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply chain”, the communique also stated.

It further stated thus: “The NSA noted that a high-level inter-ministerial committee has been established to address these concerns and has submitted its recommendations for the endorsement of the Forum.

“Governors acknowledged the urgency of the matter and expressed commitment to collaborate with federal authorities to streamline levies, dismantle unauthorized checkpoints, and improve the movement of goods across states.”

The governors also agreed to remove unauthorized checkpoints that hinder the movement of goods and contribute to price inflation; and to collaborate with federal authorities to streamline levies and improve the transportation of food and livestock across states.

The meeting was informed that the proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure were key contributors to price inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply chain.