The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) expressed empathy for the economic hardships facing Nigerians during a media briefing on Thursday. The forum acknowledged the significant challenges brought about by recent reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, while maintaining optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives would soon yield positive results.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, articulated the governors’ concerns at the press conference following the NGF meeting in Abuja. He noted that the removal of the fuel subsidy has exacerbated economic difficulties, with rising petroleum prices leading to increased costs of goods and services.
Uzodinma reported on the governors’ meetings with key security officials, stating, “We also met with the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, who briefed us on the complete subsidy removal, the challenges the corporation faces, and his plans to alleviate the suffering caused by rising pump prices.” He conveyed a sense of hope, asserting, “We hope that relief is on the horizon.”
The governor emphasized the governors’ empathy, stating, “We sympathise with our people and acknowledge the hardship across the country. We appreciate the President’s ongoing reforms, and our hope is that the awaited relief arrives soon so we can fully realise the benefits of these reforms and work towards a better Nigeria.”
Uzodinma also highlighted the efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and other stakeholders to reduce fuel queues, calling for the urgent repair of refineries, including those in Port Harcourt and Kaduna. He said, “The Forum received an update from the Group CEO of NNPC Limited on key developments in the corporation’s operations… Governors acknowledged the importance of these measures in securing Nigeria’s energy resources.”
In addition to discussions on fuel and economic challenges, the NGF received a presentation from the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), a proposed 500-bed hospital aimed at enhancing healthcare in Nigeria. Uzodinma expressed the governors’ commitment to partnerships that support the development of specialized medical facilities, stating, “We reaffirmed our commitment to improve health outcomes nationwide.”
Uzodinma reassured Nigerians that with strategic planning, the cost of living and doing business could become more manageable. He affirmed that the 36 state governors are united in their support for President Tinubu’s administration to safeguard the interests of all Nigerians.
The forum also engaged with the new Director General of the Department of State Security regarding ongoing security challenges in the country. The Director emphasized the need for cooperation among various agencies and sought the governors’ support for new initiatives aimed at curbing illegal activities. The governors expressed their commitment to these collaborative efforts, reinforcing their dedication to national security.
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