This was made known during the Forum’s 6th meeting held from Thursday night to early Friday in Abuja, where issues shaping the direction of governance in Nigeria topped discussions.
Governors of 30 states under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have expressed support for the ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms being implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), saying the policies are consistent with the federal government’s national development agenda.
This was made known during the Forum’s 6th meeting held from Thursday night to early Friday in Abuja, where issues shaping the direction of governance in Nigeria topped discussions.
The meeting, attended by governors and some deputy governors from across the federation, reportedly focused on the state of the economy, fiscal coordination, and intergovernmental relations amid the impact of recent policy changes on states’ finances and the welfare of citizens.
Earlier, correspondents observed the early arrival of several governors and top government officials at the meeting venue in Abuja. Among those sighted were the governors of Gombe, Nasarawa, and Kebbi states, as well as deputy governors representing other states.
The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria was also in attendance.
The closed-door session dwelt extensively on security, economic management, fiscal sustainability, and collaboration between federal agencies and the sub-national governments.
The Forum, chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with federal institutions to ensure that ongoing reforms yield tangible benefits for the Nigerian people.
It was learnt that the governors also reviewed ongoing engagements with federal agencies on the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate management, and the need for increased fiscal transfers to states to cushion economic shocks.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has implemented several reforms since taking office in May 2023, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate.
While the government touts these reforms as necessary for long-term stability, many Nigerians have expressed frustration.
Nigeria is facing its worst cost-of-living crisis in nearly 30 years. Prices of food, transport, and basic goods have surged.
The hardship has led to widespread discontent, with protests erupting in several states over fuel prices and inflation.
Some citizens and political figures praise the reforms as visionary and necessary, while others lament the immediate pain and lack of cushioning measures.
