Govs, FG move to eliminate illegal checkpoints, multiple levies

Governors of the 36 states of the federation have resolved to collaborate with the federal government to dismantle unauthorised checkpoints and streamline levies in the country.

The decision was reached at a meeting of the 36 state governors which started on Wednesday night and ran into the early hour of yesterday in Abuja.

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who read the communique on behalf of Kwara State governor, and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the action would ease movement of farm produce.

SPONSOR AD

Daily Trust reports that the  governors  also received a security briefing from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, during the closed-door meeting. 

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s  briefing focused on the rising cost of food and livestock transportation across the country.  But Ribadu, however, declined to speak with newsmen after the meeting.

Daily Trust reports that there are several checkpoints in the country especially in states with serious security threats. 

From Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital to Benue, there are several checkpoints. Also, checkpoints abound in Taraba, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and many other states. 

With the proliferation of checkpoints and collection of illegal levies, it becomes even difficult to ordinary drivers or passengers plying the roads to detect which of the checkpoints are illegal because of the security situation in the areas. 

Motorists often express worry that those manning the checkpoints collect high levies from them including those transporting farm produce from one location to another.

But the governors said the proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure were identified as key factors behind spiralling inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply chain.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “The forum received a briefing from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, accompanied by the Ministers of Defence, Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Transportation, on the rising cost of food and livestock transportation across the country.

“The presentation revealed that the proliferation of checkpoints, illegal taxation, and poor infrastructure are key contributors to price inflation and inefficiencies in the food supply chain.

“The NSA noted that a high-level inter-ministerial committee has been established to address these concerns and has submitted its recommendations for the endorsement of the forum.

“Governors acknowledged the urgency of the matter and expressed commitment to collaborate with federal authorities to streamline levies, dismantle unauthorised checkpoints, and improve the movement of goods across states.”

Addressing other issues, Sanwo-Olu said, “The Forum received a presentation from the World Bank on the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme.

“The Bank highlighted that states have made significant investments through the NG-CARES delivery platforms, with verified impacts reaching over 17 million direct beneficiaries.

“Governors expressed concern over the non fulfilment of funding pledges by the Bank under NG-CARES 1.0.

“The forum emphasised the need for an amicable resolution between the World Bank and participating states to conclude the first phase of the programme before advancing to NG-CARES 2.0, which is designed to build long-term resilience for vulnerable households and enterprises.”