The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), representing the collective stance of the nation’s state leaders, has acknowledged the reality of widespread hunger in Nigeria, while expressing support for the reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The acknowledgment followed an overnight meeting in Abuja that concluded in the early hours of Thursday.
At the meeting, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari, addressed the governors, affirming the complete removal of fuel subsidies in the country.
Kyari also highlighted the challenges facing the NNPCL and outlined the company’s plans to mitigate the burden of rising petrol prices on the population, noting that the price of petrol has surged three times within two months, intensifying public hardship.
“Relief Should Come for the People” – Governor Uzodimma
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma shared the governors’ collective sentiment, expressing optimism for relief measures to soon reach Nigerians.
He stated, “We deliberated on issues affecting the country.
The forum received a presentation from the African Medical Centre of Excellence, funded by African Bank, a world-class hospital with specialised techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, to be managed by first-class medical experts in areas of oncology, cardiovascular issues, haematology, and other advanced medical treatments.”
Governor Uzodimma confirmed the governors’ commitment to supporting the project, a collaborative effort with King’s College Hospital in London, aimed at establishing a top-tier medical referral centre in Nigeria.
The NGF also received updates from the NNPCL leadership on the total removal of fuel subsidies and the corporation’s plans to alleviate citizens’ suffering due to the recent surge in fuel prices.
Uzodimma expressed hope, saying, “It is our hope that things are going to be better any moment from now.”
Reflecting on the nation’s economic challenges, the governor conveyed empathy for the Nigerian people and reiterated the forum’s support for President Tinubu’s reform agenda.
“We sympathise with our people; we support them. We know there is hardship in the country; we also appreciate the reforms being carried out by the President,” he said.
“Our prayer is that as soon as possible, the relief we are looking for should come, so we can begin to leverage the benefits of the reforms.”
NSA to Collaborate with State Governors on Security
During the meeting, the newly appointed Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) shared updated strategies to curb rising insecurity in the country, including efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and attacks by unknown gunmen.
Uzodimma stated that the governors pledged their cooperation, emphasising the need for robust government-private sector partnerships to bolster national security and promote a safe environment for business operations.
Furthermore, a representative from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) outlined plans for increased collaboration between federal and state governments.
“She also appeared before us, spoke very eloquently, and presented her plans. And we are committed to also working with her,” Uzodimma noted, expressing optimism that enhanced security efforts would contribute to reducing the cost of living and business in Nigeria.
Supporting Local Refining to Curb Dependency on Imports
Addressing the NNPCL’s fuel subsidy removal, Governor Uzodimma underscored the importance of boosting local refining capabilities.
He praised the Dangote Refinery’s recent advancements, which aim to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
“If you look at the news, you see that Dangote Refinery has come up with the capacity to supply products. I don’t think you or I would be happy as a Nigerian, an OPEC member, producing crude oil, relying on importation for our people to use our petroleum products,” Uzodimma remarked.
Emphasising the need to revitalise Nigeria’s refining infrastructure, he added, “We must encourage the home-grown solutions the President just introduced, encouraging Dangote Refinery. We should repair our Port Harcourt Refinery, repair our Wari Refinery, repair our Kaduna Refinery, and then produce what we eat, and eat what we produce.”
He further pointed out the strategic advantages of local refining, asserting, “If you refine petroleum products locally, you will create jobs, keep people busy, reduce crime, and then also be proud to answer the name of an oil-producing nation.”
Uzodimma reiterated the NGF’s commitment to supporting the federal government in advancing Nigeria’s self-reliance and economic stability, highlighting that the governors are aligned with the President’s vision to foster unity, strengthen national security, and promote economic resilience under Tinubu’s “renewed hope” agenda.
