In a bid to promote fiscal responsibility and empathetic governance, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has called on his fellow governors to adopt sensitivity and reduce the size of their convoys following the removal of fuel subsidy.

Addressing journalists after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja on Thursday, Governor Soludo emphasized the need for leaders to align their lifestyles with the realities faced by the people they govern.

“We need to live within the average of the people that we’re governing and knock off the waste and the irrelevancies,” said Governor Soludo.

Highlighting the pressing economic challenges the country is facing, Governor Soludo urged state governors to review their spending habits and make necessary sacrifices. He cited his own state’s example, where significant cost-cutting measures have been implemented successfully.

“When I assumed office, for example, it was costing about N137 million every month to clean up public offices. Today, in Anambra, we’re doing N11 million a month from N137 million on a monthly basis; this is just an illustration,” he shared.

Governor Soludo’s call for reduced convoys stems from the understanding that extravagant motorcades are not in line with the average citizen’s living conditions. He urged his colleagues to lead by example and embrace prudence in their official engagements.

During the NEC meeting, discussions were held among governors and council members about the need for collective sacrifice for the welfare of the people. Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with the 36 state governors, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other government officials, participated in the deliberations.