The current situation in Nigeria is pathetic as thousands of millions of people find it difficult to have the traditional three square meals a day, especially in the far North which is densely populated and where most people rely solely on farming, cattle rearing, and local business to earn a living. The North was badly hit by poverty occasioned by heightened populations and insurgency ranging from Boko Haram, Armed banditry, and kidnapping, among other insecurities, bedeviling the region for more than a decade.
Unavoidably, the transition in government has undoubtedly contributed to worsening the situation, as the new government came off with brand new economic policies that the average Nigerian finds difficult to cope with. The naira redesign policy, border closures, and the recent removal of fuel subsidy by the new administration have unfortunately put the lives of many Nigerians into great turmoil and uncertainties.
The hike in fuel pump price as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy has made the prices of food and other necessities skyrocket. Many Nigerians are suffering and experiencing a very tough time. Also, the incessant devaluation of the naira to the dollar is yet another factor that contributed to our economic hardship. As a result, a civil servant with a meager salary cannot afford to buy foodstuff for his family talk more of a common labourer that struggles for a daily meal.
Therefore, It’s high time government distributed the tonnes of grains and other food items kept in the various government warehouses for emergency purposes. Social investment programmes of the previous administration helped young people acquire skills and be continued to reduce the number of unemployed youth roaming the street, alleviate poverty, and tackle hunger across the country.
Grain dealers and other big businessmen and women also have a great role to play in reducing and stabilising the prices of food. Politicians and other wealthy individuals should consider the needy, giving out the little they have to reduce the suffering.
Government at all levels should considerably revisit its policies, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, which is the major factor that led to the untold hardship across the country. Government should prioritise agriculture by providing fertilisers, and other modern equipment through programmes that will offer loans to farmers to ensure food security in the country.
Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng,
Yola, Adamawa state