The 36 state governors have dismissed allegations that sub-national governments have failed to properly account for funds received following the removal of fuel subsidy.

The governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said accusations of poor management of subsidy-removal proceeds should not be directed at state governments.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who read the communiqué issued after the Forum’s third meeting in Abuja, said the governors would leave the accountability debate for another day.

Responding to questions on whether the Forum accepted responsibility for alleged non-accountability, Diri said, “That cannot be true. That cannot be true. But we’ll leave that debate for another day.”

The governors also endorsed the proposed National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, which is designed to reduce transportation costs by supporting the conversion of vehicles to compressed natural gas and increasing the availability of CNG-powered fleets.

Diri said the governors were prepared to work with the private sector to bring more CNG vehicles into the country, noting that gas was cheaper than petrol and could therefore reduce transportation costs.

He explained that lowering transport fares could have a wider effect on the prices of food and other essential commodities because transportation costs directly affect the cost of moving goods.

The Forum said the proposed programme would involve state support for vehicle conversions, fleets and other enabling infrastructure, alongside commitments from participating transport operators to reduce passenger fares.

The governors, however, said details concerning the financing and implementation of the programme would still be worked out with its proponents.

Diri said the CNG initiative was among measures being considered to cushion Nigerians from the effects of fuel subsidy removal, stressing that lower transportation costs could have a multiplier effect across the economy.

The Forum also received a briefing from the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, on opportunities for states to participate in CANEX Weekend 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027, both scheduled to take place in Lagos.

The governors pledged their support for the initiatives, saying they could help states showcase investment opportunities, promote local exports and tourism, and connect small and medium-sized businesses with African and international investors.