President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, convened a crucial meeting with the 36 State Governors and the FCT Minister at the State House on Thursday.
The discussions aimed at addressing pressing national challenges, particularly the escalating cost of food and insecurity.
Following extensive deliberations, the President and Governors reached consensus on concerted efforts to alleviate economic pressures faced by citizens. The following are the key takeaways from the meeting:
1. Insecurity: President Tinubu outlined three pivotal measures to tackle insecurity, which significantly affects farming and food production:
– Increase recruitment of police personnel to bolster the force.
– Collaborate with the National Assembly and state governments to establish a framework for state police, replacing the current vigilante system in some states.
– Tasked Governors to fortify their Forest Rangers and equip them to safeguard forests from criminal elements. Further discussions on modalities for state police and security matters will occur at the National Economic Council.
2. Rising Cost of Food: The President emphasized collaboration between state and federal governments to enhance local food production. He discouraged food importation and advocated for supporting local producers to ramp up food output.
3. Combatting Food Hoarding: President Tinubu urged Governors to emulate Kano State’s approach in tackling food hoarding for profiteering. He directed security agencies to monitor warehouses hoarding food items nationwide and prevent merchants from exploiting consumers.
4. Livestock Development: Governors were charged with prioritizing livestock development, particularly poultry and fishing, within their states to boost production.
5. Clearance of Arrears: The President appealed to Governors to settle salary arrears, gratuities, and pensions owed to workers and retirees. This move aims to inject money into the economy, leveraging increased monthly FAAC revenue received by states.
6. Youth Empowerment: President Tinubu urged Governors to create more economic opportunities for youths to enhance their productive engagement and curb social vices.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, relayed these directives from President Tinubu’s meeting, underscoring the commitment to addressing critical national issues through collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments.
