The 36 state governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, have distanced themselves from blame that sub-national governments have not been able to properly account for funds received from the removal of fuel subsidy.

The governors said that such accusations over the non-management of subsidy removal proceeds by them should not rear their heads.

They also threw their weight behind the proposed implementation of National Affordable CNG Transit Programme (NACTP), saying that it will help reduce the cost of transportation in the country.

Rising from its third meeting at the NGF’s Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday night to early Thursday morning, the governors stressed that the initiative seeks state governments’ support for CNG vehicle conversions, fleets and other enabling infrastructure, targeted at reducing passenger fares.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri who read the communique issued at the end of the meeting on behalf of the Chairman of the Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, blamed the rising inflation in the country on the increase in transport, just as he disclosed that the governors noted that the NACTP has the “potential to ease transportation costs, and agreed on the need to further consider its financing and implementation framework.”

When asked whether the Forum would accept blame that sub-nationals had not been properly accountable for funds obtained from the removal of fuel subsidy, Governor Diri said: “That cannot be true. That cannot be true. But we’ll leave that debate for another day.”

According to Diri, the governors would work with the private sector to bring in more CNG vehicles in the country, because “gas is cheaper than petrol, which will actually reduce the costs of transportation.”

He expressed the belief that such would
have a multiplier effect on every other sector, saying, “The impact is expected to be on our people, the common man.”

Diri disclosed that the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, briefed the governors on opportunities for state participation in CANEX Weekend 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027, scheduled to hold in Lagos.

The governor, who noted that, as state executives, they expressed their collective resolve to participate, said, “Governors noted the platform’s potential to showcase investment-ready projects, promote local exports and tourism, and connect State MSMEs with African and global investors and buyers. The Forum assured the Honourable Minister of its support in achieving these objectives.”