Nigeria is grappling with a critical problem of food insecurity. Food prices continue to increase because of inflation. With 25 million Nigerians at high risk of hunger.
The reality is that Nigerians are suffering greatly because the cost of living has risen beyond their means.
Nigerians can no longer afford their daily meals due to the failure of the administration to take practical steps to grow and protect the food sector, thereby leading to severe food scarcity with prices soaring beyond the reach of Nigerians.
“To call a spade a spade and not an agricultural instrument,” this is one of the worst periods in the history of our dear nation — economically, socially, and politically.
In fact, there is an urgent need to redefine poverty, lack and want using Nigeria as a case study. The minimum average of $2 on feeding one per person each day is no longer realistic in Nigeria, even as unemployment rate has doubled and the prices of food and essential commodities needed for the sustainability of mankind have risen astronomically.
Garri, a locally produced cassava byproduct, has also witnessed price oscillations. There has been an enormous increase in the cost of rice and beans over the past month alone. Bread is no longer affordable, even many people have noticed that the sizes of their loaves have shrunk significantly as well.
Food riots and organized armed robberies are likely to increase unless swift measures are implemented to address these pressing challenges.
The food crisis in Nigeria isn’t just about hunger, it’s a ripple effect that impacts public health, socioeconomic stability, education, and national security.
With what Nigerians has experienced so far under Tinubu, it is safe to conclude that all is not well with Nigeria.
Tinubu led government must realise that no sound social development can take place in a situation where majority of its citizens are hungry and without adequate food compliments; neither can our economy blossom when our labour force remains hungry.
Just as Proverbs 29:18 has it, “Where there is no vision, the people perish”, the lack of clear vision in the present administration is visible for all to see. It is not too late for the president to get it right by ensuring that the hope of Nigerians in him is renewed.
The emergency declaration on food by him is a rallying cry, but the real work lies ahead. Addressing Nigeria’s food crisis requires strategic planning, substantial investment, and most importantly, the commitment to put words into action. The future of millions of Nigerians, and indeed the stability of the country, depends on it.
President Tinubu should act now and act well!. He should let the Hope be Renewed.
We hope the flag 🇳🇬 shall rise again!
Adesina Julius writes from Igbeti, Oyo State.
