Share!
The 36 state governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have rejected allegations that state governments have failed to account properly for funds accruing from the removal of the petrol subsidy.
The governors also endorsed the proposed National Affordable CNG Transit Programme (NACTP), saying the initiative could help reduce transportation costs and ease the impact of rising living expenses on Nigerians.
The decisions were contained in a communiqué issued after the NGF’s third meeting, which was held at the Forum’s Secretariat in Abuja from Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who read the communiqué on behalf of NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the governors considered transportation a critical driver of inflation because of its direct impact on the prices of food and other essential commodities.
Responding to a question on whether the Forum accepted criticism that sub-national governments had not been sufficiently accountable for funds received following the removal of the fuel subsidy, Diri said: “That cannot be true. That cannot be true. But we’ll leave that debate for another day.”
On the proposed NACTP, the governors said the programme was designed to translate the lower operating cost of compressed natural gas (CNG) into reduced transport fares for citizens.
The initiative envisages state government support for CNG vehicle conversions, fleets and related infrastructure, alongside fare commitments by participating transport operators.
Diri said the governors would work with the private sector to increase the number of CNG-powered vehicles in the country, noting that the lower cost of gas compared with petrol could reduce transportation expenses.
“Gas is cheaper than petrol, which will actually reduce the costs of transportation,” he said.
According to him, reducing transport costs would have a multiplier effect across the economy, particularly for ordinary Nigerians who bear the brunt of rising prices.
The NGF said the proposed programme had the potential to ease transportation costs but added that its financing and implementation framework required further consideration.
On the timeline for implementation, Diri said the details would be worked out between the Forum and the proponents of the programme.
The governors also defended the focus on transportation as a key area for palliative intervention, arguing that high transport costs contribute directly to increases in the prices of food and other essential goods.
“Transportation is key to several other factors,” the Forum stated, explaining that the cost of moving goods from one location to another is ultimately reflected in the prices paid by consumers.
The governors further noted that the NACTP was among the measures being considered to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy reform on Nigerians.
The meeting also received a presentation from the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, on opportunities for states to participate in CANEX Weekend 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027, both scheduled to take place in Lagos.
The governors expressed their collective commitment to participating in the platforms, which they said could help showcase investment-ready projects, promote local exports and tourism, and connect state-based micro, small and medium enterprises with African and international investors and buyers.
The Forum assured the minister of its support for the initiatives.
No related posts.
