President Bola Tinubu has convened a crucial meeting with all 36 state governors, gathering under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
The meeting, taking place in the Council Chamber of Aso Rock Village, Abuja, seeks to address the pressing issue of skyrocketing food prices and the accompanying economic strain.
President Tinubu’s arrival at the chamber at 11:34 am marked the commencement of this significant gathering.
Notably, this assembly constitutes Tinubu’s second encounter with state leaders since the inauguration of the National Economic Council on June 15, 2023.
The urgency of this meeting is underscored by the recent surge in food prices across the nation, coupled with economic challenges and pockets of insecurity.
Governor’s of the Peoples Democratic Party had earlier likened Nigeria’s economic plight to that of Venezuela, a nation grappling with hyperinflation and its dire consequences.
However, the Presidency has countered these assertions by highlighting the failure of some governors to meet basic obligations such as salary payments, pensions, and the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage.
The populace’s dissatisfaction with the prevailing economic conditions has manifested in protests across several states, including Niger, Kano, Kogi, and Ondo, demanding concrete solutions to the crisis.
Moreover, organized labour has voiced its discontent, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike by February 23 if the Federal Government fails to deliver on promised palliatives and other forms of assistance to alleviate workers’ economic burdens.
Present at the meeting are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Director-General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
Governors from various states including Kwara, Imo, Borno, Edo, Rivers, Ekiti, Nasarawa, and Anambra are also in attendance, alongside their deputies representing Delta, Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kano.
Key ministers such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of Information are also present.
The primary focus of the meeting revolves around devising strategies to address the prevailing economic and security challenges confronting the nation.
