CURRENT REPORT BLOG In a pivotal gathering at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, government officials convened to address pressing issues plaguing the nation. The meeting, prompted by escalating concerns over the soaring prices of food items, rampant insecurity, and persistent delays or non-payment of salaries and gratuities owed to workers, retirees, and pensioners, among other grievances, drew attention to the urgent need for decisive action.
The disclosure of this crucial summit came via a tweet shared on X by Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, alongside a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Onanuga emphasized that the gathering served as a platform for stakeholders to find common ground and devise strategies to tackle the multifaceted challenges confronting the nation. Paramount among these challenges are the escalating costs of essential food items and the alarming surge in insecurity, both of which have significantly impacted the livelihoods and well-being of citizens across the country.
Addressing the nation’s food security concerns, the summit attendees recognized the need for immediate interventions to stabilize food prices and ensure adequate access to essential commodities for all citizens. Additionally, they acknowledged the critical importance of enhancing security measures to safeguard lives and property, thereby fostering a conducive environment for economic growth and social stability.
Furthermore, the issue of delayed or unpaid salaries and gratuities emerged as a focal point of discussion, underscoring the imperative of honoring financial commitments to workers, retirees, and pensioners. The attendees emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing these grievances and implementing reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in the disbursement of salaries and benefits.
As the nation grapples with these formidable challenges, the outcomes of the Abuja summit signal a collective resolve among government stakeholders to prioritize the well-being and welfare of all citizens. Through collaborative efforts and decisive actions, the government aims to mitigate the adverse effects of food insecurity, insecurity, and financial uncertainties, thereby fostering a more resilient and prosperous society for all.
Below is the outcome of the meeting:
1. On addressing insecurity which is also affecting farming and food production, President Tinubu made three key pronouncements.
More police personnel are to be recruited to strengthen the force.
President Tinubu informed the Governors that the Federal Government will work with them and the National Assembly towards putting in place a mechanism that will engender state police instead of the vigilantes that are being used in some states.
The President charged the Governors to strengthen their Forest Rangers and arm them to keep all the forests safe from criminals. Modalities for State Police and addressing security issues are to be discussed further at the National Economic Council.
2. On the rising cost of food: The President directed that the State Governments and Federal government should collaborate to increase local food production.
The President advised against the idea of food importation and price control when local food producers should be encouraged to produce more food.
3. The President advised Governors to follow the example of Kano State in dealing with the hoarding of food for profiteering by commodities merchants.
He directed the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser and Department of State Security Services to monitor warehouses hoarding food items across the country and stop profiteering by merchants.
4. The President charged Governors to pay attention to livestock development in their states and increase production most especially poultry and fishing products.
5. The President pleaded with Governors to ensure all salary arrears to workers and gratuities to retired workers and pensioners are cleared as a way to put money into the hands of the people since states are now getting more monthly FAAC revenue.
Spend the money, don’t spend the people, he urged the governors.
6. President Tinubu implored the Governors to create more economic opportunities for the youths in their states to keep them more productively engaged.
