By Nathaniel Zacchaeus and Cross Udo
Eminent Nigerians from the 19 states in the North under the aegis of Arewa Initiative for Defence and Promotion of Democracy, yesterday blamed the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari for the hardship currently being experienced in the country.
The coalition of pro-democracy organisations at a news conference in Abuja therefore urged Nigerians to ignore sponsored protests staged against the Federal Government in Kano, Minna, and other parts of the country recently.
The Chairman of the Arewa Initiative, Prof Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, specifically told journalists at the event that the harsh economic situation being faced by everybody now, was the fallout of the comatose economy handed over to Tinubu by his predecessor.
Some Nigerians particularly in Minna, the capital of Niger State on Monday this week, took to the street, protesting against the harsh economic situations in the country arising from astronomical increases in prices of commodities.
Ma’aji said pockets of protests staged in some states were uncalled for as President Bola Tinubu led Federal Government is already addressing the problems.
Flanked by members of the group from across the 19 northern states, Ma’aji said an eight month old government was too early to be assessed, let alone, criticised by people with ulterior motives.
He said the group after an extraordinary meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, resolved that ” the North is solidly behind President Tinubu and will continue to support and cooperate with him, for actualisation of his Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Part of the speech read, “The current administration of President Bola Tinubu inherited a lot of problems from the past administration of Muhammadu Buhari which it is currently trying to address.
“For instance, the Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazagq and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) had just revealed that the crude oil the country will be getting in the next six months had been sold in advance by the immediate past administration.
“That the solutions to the problems cannot be instantly solved but in a gradual pattern. Nigerians should show patriotism by cooperating with this administration in its bid to find solutions to the country’s problems such as inflation, corruption, insecurity-banditry, and kidnapping that the country is currently facing.
“That those disgruntled politicians and other unpatriotic elements who have perfected plans to mobilise bogus civil society organisations (CSOs) to stage phantom protests across the country to smear the image of this administration should stop their evil machinations.
“That those disgruntled politicians who are using some clerics through misinformation to issue statements condemning this administration without any good reason should desist forthwith in the interest of our beloved nation.”
The group however added that it was not averse to any form of legitimate protest to show grievances to government policy or programme provided it is done in good faith and under the laws of our beloved Country, Nigeria.
He said, “We call on all Northerners and indeed all Nigerians to continue to support the current administration in its bid to bring Prosperity to our nation.
“That we Northerners are not against Mr President and this administration. We will continue to support and pray for this administration to succeed”, he stated.
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*Ohanaeze to Tinubu: Consult Okonjo-Iweala, Adesina, others
The pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to seek the advice of Nigerians who have made their mark in the global financial management space to address the worsening economic hardship currently facing Nigerians.
The organisation lamented that the unhindered pain of hunger exacerbated by the weakening Naira due to foreign exchange complications has become unbearable for the people.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo said seeking assistance from distinguished economists such as Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, and other reputable experts, solely based on their merits and not tribal affiliations, was crucial in rectifying and reconstructing the economy for the betterment of Nigeria.
The organisation attributed the current economic hardship, inflation, and uncertainties plaguing the Nigerian economy to bad policies perpetuated by the Muhammadu Buhari-led government and subsequently inherited and reinforced by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The statement read, “As Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of these challenges, the prices of essential commodities skyrocket, engendering widespread anguish and anger.
“The unhindered pain of hunger has become unbearable for the people, exacerbated by the weakening Naira due to foreign exchange complications.
“The exhaustion of Nigerians towards empty promises from the Federal Government necessitates immediate action to instil calm amidst the populace.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo adamantly asserts that seeking assistance from distinguished economists such as Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, and other reputable experts, solely based on their merits and not tribal affiliations, is crucial in rectifying and reconstructing the economy for the betterment of Nigeria.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly advises President Tinubu that the path to success lies in concrete and genuine consultations with the aforementioned world-renowned economists.
“By harnessing their profound expertise, a robust and efficient framework for Nigeria’s economic recovery can be swiftly devised, along with a reduction in the burdensome costs of governance. The evident dearth of ideas, competencies, and willpower within the current economic team further underscores the urgency for Tinubu to undertake a comprehensive overhaul.
“The Nigerian populace’s patience is rapidly dwindling, and the nation teeters precariously on the brink. Ohanaeze Ndigbo earnestly beseeches divine intervention to guide President Tinubu, helping him discern the need to engage competent individuals and alleviate the plight of Nigeria’s economy, transcending any influence from sycophantic aides.”
The organisation pledged its unwavering commitment to championing the rights and interests of all Igbos and Nigerians
“Urgency and resolute action must be taken to address the prevailing economic hardships besieging our nation. We implore President Tinubu to heed our impassioned plea and promptly undertake the necessary steps to secure a prosperous future for every Nigerian,” it added.
*Addressing rising food prices not quick fix- Nextier
Public Policy experts from Nextier, have advised the Federal Government that addressing inflation and rising food prices is not a quick fix to the food insecurity in the country and the attendant high cost of living.
Nextier experts said that the only panacea is a long-term commitment from the government and prudent economic policies adding that the political will to address the underlying causes of inflation is a crucial step in stabilising prices and ensuring food affordability for all citizens.
A Policy and Research Consultant at Nextier, Ndidi Anyanwu, said that expanding social safety nets, such as food assistance programmes, cash transfers, and other forms of support to vulnerable populations, can provide temporary relief to those most affected by rising prices.
She said, “These safety nets alleviate immediate food insecurity and promote resilience among vulnerable communities, enabling them to withstand economic shocks and recover more quickly from crises.”
She contended that the multifaceted drivers of food insecurity in Nigeria underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and targeted interventions to address the pressing issue.
Anyanwu said, “The path to food security remains complex, demanding a shift from piecemeal solutions to a holistic, multi-pronged approach. Nigeria can unlock its agricultural potential by addressing the intertwined issues of climate change, economic disparities, infrastructure limitations, and population growth.
“Ultimately, achieving SDG 2 in Nigeria demands a collective effort, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to securing food for all.”
Continuing, she said, “In Nigeria, the scale of food insecurity has surged dramatically, rising by 133 per cent in three years. According to the FAO report, the number of Nigerians facing food insecurity escalated from 63.8 million between 2014 and 2016 to 148.7 million between 2020 and 2022, a trend likely to worsen. Despite substantial investments by the Nigerian government and interventions from international donor agencies aimed at bolstering food production, the situation remains dire.
“In response to escalating concerns, in July 2023, the Nigerian government declared food insecurity a national emergency and ordered the immediate release of fertilisers and grains to farmers and households to mitigate the adverse effects of fuel subsidy removal. Furthermore, the government announced plans to enhance security measures to safeguard farmers from armed attacks and kidnappings.
“However, despite these efforts, challenges persist, and food insecurity looms large over the nation. Hence, this edition of Nextier SPD Policy Weekly delves into the multifaceted issues exacerbating food insecurity in Nigeria, aiming to shed light on the situation’s complexities and explore potential pathways towards sustainable solutions.”
On hunger haunting Nigerians, she said, “In contrast to some nations contending with singular issues such as drought or conflict, Nigeria faces a complex interplay of factors exacerbating one another’s detrimental effects. The country is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, evidenced by occurrences such as droughts, desertification, erosion, and floods.
“These occurrences threaten the availability and quality of essential resources, including land, water, and biodiversity. Flooding has become a recurring nightmare for countless Nigerians, particularly in the central and northern regions. Beyond the rising water levels, flooding triggers a cascade of devastating consequences for affected communities. In 2022, Nigeria witnessed its worst floods in a decade, impacting 3.2 million people across 34 of its 36 states. Over 600 fatalities were recorded, and about 1.4 million people were displaced.
“With over 569,000 hectares of farmland submerged, crops and livelihoods were destroyed. Moreover, the aftermath of flooding gives rise to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. This puts immense strain on fragile healthcare systems and jeopardises the lives of children and vulnerable populations.
“Beyond the unpredictable influence of weather patterns, Nigerians continue to face poverty and economic challenges. This goes beyond mere financial constraints but restricted access to essential resources such as fertilisers, improved seeds, and proper storage facilities.
“The situation is further compounded by unequal land distribution, where a few individuals own vast expanses while others grapple with cultivating a small plot. This stark contrast impedes agricultural productivity and denies millions of people access to nutritious food.
“Even with a good harvest, transporting them to the market is challenging. Post-harvest losses, estimated at 50 per cent, represent a significant missed opportunity for millions of people to access food. Nigeria’s rural infrastructure, characterised by bad roads and bridges, acts as a bottleneck for food distribution.
“States such as Niger, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, and Plateau, which are among the top producers of grain in the country, have been grappling with recurring insecurity which reverberates across the country. Mangu Local Government Area, for instance, holds immense significance as it hosts the state’s largest and most commercial maize market.
“Communities in the area, in the last month (January 1- 31, 2014), have been attacked four times by armed gangs, and over 38 casualties have been recorded. The Mangu maize market serves as a vital hub for maize trading and exports to other states across Nigeria. The cost of maize directly influences the prices of poultry, spaghetti, and other carbohydrate products.
“The closure of over 50 per cent of poultry farms in 2023 has been attributed to the increased production costs resulting from the rise in maize prices, a critical ingredient in poultry feed production.”
Moreover, insecurity also affects transportation networks and market access, hindering food movement from surplus to deficit areas.
She recommended that the government should prioritise investment in agriculture as a fundamental pillar of addressing Nigeria’s entrenched food insecurity and that there is a need to empower women to make informed choices about their fertility, which can help stabilise population growth and contribute to long-term food security and sustainable development.
Besides, she said the government needs prudent economic policies and concerted efforts to address the underlying causes of inflation, which are vital in stabilising prices and ensuring food affordability for all citizens.
*FG considers food import if hunger lingers
Meanwhile, the Federal Government yesterday said that it was considering the importation of food as a critical option on the table to halt the high cost of items in the country to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.
In the interim, the government has ordered the immediate release of 102,000 metric tonnes of rice and maize from the national grain reserve
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the meeting of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention at the Presidential Villa, Abuja
He said the President has directed that food will be made available, no matter what it will take.
The decision came after a three days deliberation by the committee, in reaction to the protests by Nigerians over the high cost of food and other economic challenges
The Minister also said the government will mete out appropriate measures on food hoarders adding that emergencies require emergency measures to ensure food is available to Nigerians.
The Minister of Information called on Nigerians to be patriotic and desist from hoarding food while the government deliberately invested massively in food production.
On the consideration of food importation, if the suffering continues, the Minister said, “Now the third item is that the government is also looking at the possibility, if it becomes necessary as an interim measure in the short run to also import some of these commodities immediately so that these commodities can be made available to Nigerians immediately within the next couple of weeks.”
On the outcome of the meeting, Idris said, “Today’s meeting was again on the issue of difficulty, like I said two days ago, of putting food on the table of most Nigerians, and has come up with several measures to ensure that food becomes more readily available to Nigerians.
“The first one is that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been directed to release about 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities in their strategic reserve so that these items will be made available to Nigerians; 42000 metric tons immediately.
“The second one is that we have held meetings with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria, those who are responsible for producing this rice and we have asked them to open up their stores.
They’ve told us that they can guarantee about 60,000 metric tons of rice. This will be made available and we know that that is enough to take Nigerians for the next one month to six weeks, perhaps up to two months 60,000 metric tons. They’ve agreed that they will make that available to Nigerians to bring it out to the market so that food is made available.
“Now the whole idea of this is to crash the cost of these food items. And these are measures that will happen immediately.
“42,000 metric tons from the strategic government reserve, about 60,000 metric tons of rice from the Rice Millers Association, they have them in all their storage facilities and government in conjunction with them after this exhaustive meeting, has directed that they also bring this out immediately so that food, I mean the price of rice will come down significantly.
“Now, with all these emergency measures, there is of course a directive to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to invest massively in conjunction with Nigerian farmers and other producers so that we can have a better season coming up shortly.
“Now, we all know that dry season farming is happening, that will take effect very shortly, and that we hope will also contribute, because as soon as the dry season farming gets underway, the government hopes that food prices will also come down.
“As I said, these are all measures that are taken to immediately, and as an emergency measure to bring down the cost of food items. In the long run Federal Ministry of Agriculture is going to invest massively, so that Nigeria will recover its potential as a food basket and we don’t expect that going forward we are going to be faced with these challenges again.”
*Vows to go after hoarders of foodstuff
The Minister warned those hoarding food items to desist from it, threatening that anyone found doing so, would face the wrath of the government.
He said, “Now government of course is also looking at all those who are hoarding these commodities because these commodities are available in the stores of many traders.
“Government is appealing to them, that they should open up these stores, make these commodities available in the interest of our nation. There is no point when the whole country is looking for this food, you are looking up this product so that you make more money and then Nigerians suffer.
“Of course, the government will not fold its arms. We know where all these major traders are. We know where all these major stores are. And if they don’t respond by bringing these commodities to the market, the government will take appropriate measures to ensure that these products are made available to Nigerians.”
Asked what would be the appropriate measures to be meted out on those hoarding the products, he said, “Well, you cannot hold the nation to ransom. You cannot have these commodities and you’re hoarding them in your stores when we all need them. We are in an emergency and we’ll take emergency measures to make sure that this food is available to Nigerians.
Further asked whether how much rice and other food items would be sold was discussed at the meeting, he said, “Yes, the government has looked at that and what I can tell you is that whatever the government will do to ensure that this food is made available to Nigerians at an affordable cost, the government will do that.”
Speaking about the general concern of high-level inflation, not only food that affects the high cost of living in terms of prices of general goods, particularly when it affects forex, especially in the market where all these goods are but everyone talks about dollar prices to increase garri and millet prices, he said, “Well, people always talk about that even some commodities that do not have direct dollar denomination are always quoted in dollar. That is unfortunate. We ask that Nigerians need to be more patriotic. Be our brother’s keepers and sell this thing at a margin, but at a margin that is not also killing Nigerians.
“You know, you need to be patriotic at this point. This is an emergency. Every nation faces emergencies like this. It is not the first time that it has happened. Many countries of the world have faced this.
“It is our own time to face this challenge. The government is going to respond adequately and it is already responding adequately.
“The President has directed that whatever it will take, food will be available to Nigerians at a cost that is also very reasonable. And that is what the summary of this meeting entails.”
