Thirty-six state governors under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum have acknowledged the hunger crisis affecting Nigerians and expressed sympathy, stating they are fully aware of the people’s struggles.
This was revealed after a meeting in Abuja that extended from Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday, where the governors also voiced support for President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms.
During the meeting, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, addressed the governors, discussing the complete removal of fuel subsidies and the challenges facing NNPC.
Kyari outlined plans aimed at easing the difficulties caused by rising pump prices, with a focus on providing relief for Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State shared the governors’ hopes that relief from the reforms would come swiftly.
“As soon as possible, the relief we are looking for should come so that we can begin to leverage on the benefits of the reforms and then have a betterment general,” Uzodinma stated.
Uzodinma added, “We deliberated on issues affecting the country, and the forum received a presentation from the African Medical Center of Excellence, funded by the African Bank. It’s a world-class hospital with advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, managed by first-class medical experts specializing in oncology, cardiovascular issues, hematology, and other general medical research.”
He emphasized the governors’ commitment to supporting this initiative, which will be managed in collaboration with King’s College Hospital London as a center of medical excellence in Africa.
Uzodinma further explained that the NNPC’s plans, along with Kyari’s presentation, included steps to improve conditions despite fuel subsidy removal, adding, “We hope that things are going to be better any moment from now.”
Expressing solidarity with the people, he continued, “We sympathize with our people… we know that there is hardship in the country. We also appreciate the reforms being carried out by the President.”
Governor Uzodinma also highlighted security updates, noting that the new Director General of the Department of State Services presented fresh strategies to combat insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities. The governors committed to supporting these initiatives.
“The Office of the National Security Advisor appointed a director to liaise with the state governments for closer relationships. She presented her plans, and we committed to working with her. I think things are getting better,” he said.
He also mentioned that these reforms could positively impact the cost of living and doing business, stating, “We pray that with all these arrangements in place, the cost of living will come down. The cost of doing business in Nigeria will also come down and become more affordable.”
The governors underscored the importance of national unity, with Uzodinma adding, “It is our belief that Nigeria is a great country… anything that will bring or cause disunity among our people should be discouraged. We need to be united as a people, support the government, and work for the interests of our people. Under the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President… there will be no better security than us being united, working together as a people, and believing in our country.”
Addressing specific details from Kyari’s briefing on the subsidy removal, Uzodinma noted that the country is exploring local solutions, emphasizing the importance of refining petroleum domestically to reduce reliance on imports.
“The Dangote Refinery has also come up with the capacity to supply products. As a Nigerian, an OPEC member, producing crude oil yet relying on imports is an aberration. We must repair our Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries and produce what we consume,” he explained.
Uzodinma argued that local refining would generate jobs, reduce crime, and strengthen Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing nation. He concluded, “Buying petroleum products in Naira, refining locally… that’s where we need to go. If you refine petroleum products locally, you create jobs, curb unemployment, keep people busy, and reduce crime, which allows us to proudly stand as an oil-producing nation.”
In a communique, the governors reiterated their commitment to supporting the new DSS Director General in implementing strategies to combat insecurity, including kidnappings and activities of “unknown gunmen.” They also expressed a united commitment to fostering peace and unity across the country.
