In a significant development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, joined forces with state governors from across the nation on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the State House in Abuja, FCT. The purpose of the meeting was to address the pressing challenges that currently plague the country, such as the escalating insecurity concerns and the rising costs of essential food items in the economy.
According to a report, President Tinubu, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, convened the meeting with all 36 state governors, Chief Nyesom Wike, the Honourable Minister for FCT, and Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, revealed that after extensive deliberations, President Tinubu and the governors reached a unanimous agreement to collaborate in resolving these challenges and alleviating the economic burdens faced by citizens.
The Presidential aide outlined the key outcomes of the meeting and highlighted the President’s directives to the governors in moving the country forward:
Tackling Insecurity: President Tinubu emphasized the need to address the issue of insecurity, which also adversely affects agricultural activities and food production. To combat this, he proposed the recruitment of additional conventional police personnel to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force. Furthermore, the President expressed the intention to work with the governors and the National Assembly (NASA) to establish a framework for state police, as an alternative to the current vigilante system employed in some states. He also urged the governors to bolster their Forest Rangers and equip them to ensure the safety of all forests, while other security matters would be further discussed at the National Economic Council.
Boosting Food Production: In response to the rising cost of food items, President Tinubu instructed the state and federal governments to collaborate in promoting local food production. He cautioned against excessive food importation and price controls, emphasizing the importance of encouraging local producers to increase their output. He highlighted the example of Kano State in effectively dealing with hoarding of food by unscrupulous merchants for profiteering. To curtail this practice, the President directed the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, and Department of State Services to monitor warehouses across the country and prevent such exploitative activities.
Clearing Salary and Pension Arrears: President Tinubu urged the governors to prioritize the settlement of salary arrears, gratuities, and pensions owed to workers and pensioners. Recognizing the increased monthly revenue from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), he stressed the importance of injecting money into the hands of the people. The President advised the governors to responsibly utilize the funds and prioritize the welfare of the people.
Empowering Youth: President Tinubu called upon the state governors to create more economic opportunities for the youth in their respective states. By doing so, he aimed to ensure their productive engagement and contribution to the nation’s development.
This groundbreaking meeting signifies a united front between the government and state governors to tackle the pressing issues of insecurity, food production, clearance of salary and pension arrears, and youth empowerment. With a collaborative approach, the nation strives to overcome these challenges and foster a more prosperous future for all.
Source: ConsumerConnect (Adapted)