Hardship Protests and Looting Spree: The Urgent Need for Government Action in Nigeria

Nigeria has witnessed a series of protests and lootings across the country, sparked by the rising cost of living and exacerbated by the government’s recent actions.

With the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, inflation has skyrocketed, and the value of the currency has plummeted.

The Organized Private Sector (OPS) has threatened to shut down manufacturing companies, a move that would further worsen the economy and increase unemployment.

The government must take swift action to address these issues and prevent further unrest.

To combat the rising cost of living, the government must prioritize security and facilitate the return of farmers to their farms.

The North Central and North West regions, which are crucial to Nigeria’s food security, have been severely impacted by insecurity, leading to the abandonment of farmlands and an increase in food insecurity.

International agencies have warned of the imminent threat of severe malnutrition and starvation beyond the North East.

The government must secure the Nigerian space and ensure that farmers can safely return to their farms ahead of the upcoming farming season.

Failure to do so could lead to even more dire consequences.

In the short-term, the government should make grains available to the public free of charge, using transparent and accountable distribution methods.

Distribution centers should be established in all 8,806 wards across the country to ensure that the grains reach those in need.

Long-term measures include addressing the issue of fuel subsidy in a more thoughtful manner, with plans in place to cushion the effects on the general population.

The government must also follow through on its promises to procure mass transit buses, which would help alleviate the burden of transportation costs.

It is crucial that the government takes these steps to address the current crisis and prevent further escalation.

The people of Nigeria have suffered enough and deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to their needs.