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Tag: Hardship

  • HARDSHIP! Peter Obi cries out, says Nigerians are spending all their income on food

    HARDSHIP! Peter Obi cries out, says Nigerians are spending all their income on food

    The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has continued to express his concerns amidst the escalating hardship caused by the continuous spike in commodity prices.

    Obi, in a post on his official X account on Wednesday, expressed worry that many Nigerians now allocate their entire income to food purchases alone.

    The former Anambra Governor, referencing the hunger index forecast, lamented that the situation was growing increasingly complex

    He further urged the Nigerian government to secure the nation’s farmers and provide them with adequate support to enhance food production. Obi’s statement read, “I was alarmed when, in January 2023, the Cadre Harmonisé, a publication by UNICEF, indicated that nearly 25 million Nigerians were at risk of facing hunger between June and August 2023 if urgent actions were not taken.

    Like every concerned Nigerian, I was very worried and called on the government to take immediate measures to stem the tide of impending hunger in the nation. By the end of 2023, approximately 26.5 million Nigerians were reported to be at risk of hunger. This concern extends into 2024, with an estimated 26.5 million Nigerians still at risk. “It is saddening to note once again that the same publication, Cadre Harmonisé, is warning that an additional 31.5 million Nigerians are at risk of acute hunger and severe food insecurity between June and August 2024.

    The situation has become more dire with the soaring cost of living and the high inflation rate afflicting our economy. Currently ranked 109th out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index, Nigeria is considered among the top 20 hungriest nations in the world. Many Nigerian households now spend almost their entire income on food alone, leaving the budget for other family expenses unimaginable. I have consistently argued that the most effective way to combat hunger in Nigeria is by transitioning our nation from consumption to production.

    This involves aggressive investment in agriculture by fully exploiting and cultivating our vast arable lands, especially in the Northern parts of the country. Given the warning of the impending crisis – the additional number of Nigerians expected to face hunger by June this year – I strongly advocate for immediate actions to enhance food production in the country to counter the escalating hunger and consequent frustration among the populace.

    With the high level of insecurity and terror attacks in many parts of the country preventing farmers from engaging in agricultural activities, and the management of our monetary policies adversely affecting small businesses in the agricultural sector, it is imperative for the government to secure the farmers and provide them with the necessary support to boost food production.

  • Why we’re canvassing for living wage to ameliorate economic hardship – Caucus leader, Chinda

    Why we’re canvassing for living wage to ameliorate economic hardship – Caucus leader, Chinda

    … insists nobody can earn less than N100k and survive in Nigeria

    House of Representatives opposition caucus leader Rep Kingsley Ogundu Chinda has adduced reasons why 42 lawmakers endorsed a motion seeking a living wage for Nigerian workers.

    The Rivers State born lawmaker alongside 41 lawmakers across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja had last week tabled the timely motion on living wage at plenary.

    Speaking at a sideline on the motion, Chinda said:” No lawmaker today in Nigeria is happy about the situation in the country. That’s why we’re pushing for a living wage for all Nigerian workers. The take-home pay can not take the worker home. We are very disturbed by the turn of events.

    Chinda said: “The rising inflationary rate in the country has had a negative effect on the cost of living with the galloping inflation that cuts across all facets of life.

    “As captured in the motion, Trade Economics in 2018 reported the living wage for an individual Nigerian and a Nigerian family to N43,200 per month and N137,600/respectively but this is pre-subsidy removal.

    “Presently, no labourer can live in Nigeria with a wage less than N100,000 monthly.

    “Also, according to the World Bank report, low purchasing in the country occasioned by high inflationary rate has led to an increase in poverty across the country.

    “But Nigerians should be rest assured that the resolutions reached by the HoR has been activated and the ad hoc committee will transmit outcome to Senate for speedy concurrence.

    “As representatives of Nigerians, we are very disturbed, and we are not going to rest on our oars until there’s a permanent solution.

  • Looting of FCT warehouse beyond hunger – Minister

    Looting of FCT warehouse beyond hunger – Minister

    The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud has said the looting of an FCT warehouse located at Gwagwa-Tasha is beyond hunger.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mahmoud to have said on Monday that the way the looting happened made it look like a criminal act.

    Residents had invaded the warehouse located at Gwagwa-Tasha on Sunday and looted everything stored inside.

    Speaking during an assessment visit, the Minister disclosed that the FCT Administration will establish a police post in all its warehouses to prevent miscreants from invading and looting their contents.

    The Minister described the looting as a very unfortunate incident, stressing that the hoodlums carted away all the grains and other food stuff in the warehouse, including the roofing sheets.

    The action, according to her, is beyond hunger, stressing that it is criminal.

    “We are here due to the unfortunate incident that happened early hours of yesterday (Sunday), where hoodlums attacked this very warehouse and packed everything that is here.

    “Not only food items, including the roofing, windows, and even the gates of this place were carted away.

    “You can see the level of damage. There is nothing that is left here, including machineries that are used for the processing of some of the food in the warehouse”.

    She identified the youths in the area as the suspects that may have instigated the looting.

    The Minister explained that the looting occurred when the FCT Administration was restocking its warehouses with a view to meeting up with the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

    She said that Tinubu had directed that palliative be distributed to residents in all the six Area Councils of the FCT.

    She assured that the administration would prosecute those behind the ugly incident.

    “We distributed the palliative twice and about to do the third one, when the hoodlums attacked the trucks offloading food items in the warehouse, leaving some of the officials injured.

    “This is a sign that we need to reinforce the security situation around all our warehouses, because you just have to keep food.

    “But the way this thing happened actually is beyond hunger. This is a criminal act. Somebody that is hungry cannot move out to remove all the roofing that is here,” she said.

    Mahmoud further said that the incident may delay the distribution of palliative in the territory.

    Recall that the Police Command in the FCT had on Sunday announced the arrested 15 suspects in connection with the looting of the warehouse.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT,  SP Josephine Adeh, who made the announcement in a statement, added that two security guards employed by the warehouse management were among the suspects arrested.

    Adeh said 26 bags of maize, five motorcycles and some vandalised aluminium roofing sheets were recovered from the suspects.

  • Abuja looted warehouse: It’s a strong message to Tinubu, says Adegboruwa

    Abuja looted warehouse: It’s a strong message to Tinubu, says Adegboruwa

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has said the looting of a government warehouse in Abuja on Sunday was a direct reflection of the level of hardship the majority of Nigerians battling currently.

    The lawyer said Abuja residents who looted food items used it to pass a message to President Bola Tinubu about the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Adegboruwa made this known in an interview with a television programme on Monday.

    The human rights lawyer stated that Tinubu and his economic team have an assignment of reviewing the current economic policies to renew the survival of the majority of Nigerians.

    SUFFERING IN THE LAND

    He said, “Across all states in Nigeria presently there is a crisis of survival from the part of the people. So, it is not just this particular occurrence, a truck bearing foodstuff was randomly attacked and looted. I do not support this in any way at all because we must have an environment where we can secure lives and property.

    “But it is a reflection of the fact that the economic policies of the present administration are not helping the people of the country and of course, these occurrences showcase the frustration that people are going through.”

    “You know what they say that we pray that we don’t get to a position where the low income earners will rise up to be eating the rich. I think there is a message to the president and members of his economic team that there is a need to rejig the system in such a way that will allow for the survival of the majority of our people.”

    Recall that the president removed the petrol subsidy immediately he assumed the office off Number One Citizen in May.

    Speaking on this, Adegboruwa said, “Effect of the fuel subsidy removal has imposed hardship on the people in terms of moving from one end to the other. And of course, factories are closing down, there is high unemployment, cost of living is very high whilst the earning capacity remains the same or even lower.”

  • Hardship: 15 suspects arested over warehouse looting in Abuja

    Hardship: 15 suspects arested over warehouse looting in Abuja

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said it has arrested 15 suspects in connection with the vandalism of a warehouse belonging to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCTA) in Abuja.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT,  SP Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    She said two security guards employed by the warehouse management were among the suspects, arrested over the vandalism of the warehouse in Tasha area of Abuja.

    Adeh said 26 bags of maize, five Motorcycles and some vandalised aluminum roofing sheets were recovered from the suspects.

    “The Police Command in the FCT is fully informed about the impulsive attack on Agric Department Strategic food store located at Tasha area of Abuja, on March 3.

    “The attack has resulted to the vandalism and looting of the warehouse.

    “The command wishes to state that normalcy has since, been restored to the area and the situation, under control,” she said.

    The Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCTA had earlier, confirmed the looting of its warehouse on Sunday, by some hoodlums.

  • Hardship: War-torn Ukraine makes food donation to Nigeria

    Hardship: War-torn Ukraine makes food donation to Nigeria

    The Government of Ukraine has donated 25,000 tonnes of wheat as emergency food assistance to 1.3 million vulnerable, crisis-affected people in northeast Nigeria amidst rising inflation and food price spikes in the country.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer, British High Commission’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, made available to newsmen on Friday.

    Akande-Alegbe said that the donation was made under the auspices of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) response in northeast Nigeria.

    She explained that the contribution was part of Ukraine’s humanitarian “Grain from Ukraine” initiative launched by the country’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky.

    Akande-Alegbe disclosed that the shipment was done through a collaborative effort from the UK, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Luxembourg, Norway, Republic of Korea and Sweden, who transported it from Ukraine to Nigeria.

    According to the High Commission’s spokesperson, the grains intervention was informed by the soaring prices of staple food in Nigeria, which have pushed basic meals out of the reach of millions of vulnerable families across the country.

    “This is a really tough time for many people across the world, including in Nigeria, it is important that we help the most vulnerable populations.

    “The UK is proud to be part of the global community supporting WFP to distribute lifesaving grain across Nigeria, reaching over 600,000 people.

    “This contribution will go some way to addressing rising food insecurity, driven by conflict and regional instability. We continue to back measures that help reduce its impact in Nigeria, support livelihoods and promote peace.”

    “Deadly conflicts and persistent violence in northeast Nigeria have driven millions of people out of their homes, off their farms and across the region, jeopardizing agriculture and livelihoods production,” the statement quoted Cynthia Rowe, British High Commission Development Director as saying.

    Rowe also noted that over the past three months, unlike in previous years, prices of key staples across several markets in Nigeria increased above pre-harvest levels hampering food access for vulnerable families who depended on harvest and markets for their supplies.

    “In Maiduguri, for example, the wholesale prices of red beans have increased by 210 percent compared to the same period last year (February 2023). Similarly, prices of maize and sorghum increased by 176 percent and 188 percent respectively.

    “The country is also grappling with its fourth consecutive year of chronic food insecurity with 26.5 million people across the country projected to face acute hunger during the 2024 lean season between June and August according to the November 2023 Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis.

    “WFP is committed to working with the government and partners to build more resilient, inclusive, and effective food systems taking advantage of its current footprint in the country,” Rowe further said.

    She also said that through its “Out of Conflict into Solutions” food systems approach, WFP seeks to prioritize emergency food assistance to the most vulnerable groups while simultaneously supporting self-reliance by rebuilding assets to improve long-term food security and resilience.

    These, according to the Development Director, include adaptation to climate change, providing timely access to nutritious food, and promoting innovative financing to support WFP operations.

    She said that in 2023, WFP invested 200 million dollars in the agricultural economy through locally purchased food and cash transfers to crisis-affected families for food redemption in local markets.

    Also commenting on the gesture, David Stevenson, WFP Representative and Country Director in Nigeria, expressed the organization’s appreciation to the Ukrainian government for the donation.

    “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Ukraine, partners, and donors for their unwavering support through the Grain from Ukraine Initiative. This collaborative effort plays a crucial role in alleviating suffering and maintaining human dignity in areas facing conflict and food price increase.

    “As part of WFP’s ongoing humanitarian operations, the wheat donation will be combined with cash and other commodities to meet the basic food and nutrition needs of crisis-affected women, men and children for a two-month period.

    “WFP has the tools and willingness to support the government in restoring and unlocking the agricultural potential of northeast Nigeria making it again the breadbasket of the country. But we cannot achieve this alone.”

    Stevenson added that collective action was needed to bring peace and stability, ensure stable markets, encourage financial investments, and generate employment “through enhanced collaboration with Nigerian private sector partners, suppliers, transporters, service providers, and retailers.”

    “To ensure continued food and nutrition assistance to crisis-affected people in northeast and northwest Nigeria, WFP urgently requires US$154 million for the next six months (March-August 2024),” he added.

  • God at work, will roll away hardship – Muoka

    God at work, will roll away hardship – Muoka

    General Overseer (GO) of the Lord’s Chosen Revival Movement, Pastor Lazarus Muoka says God is at work in Nigeria and will roll away its current challenges.

    Muoka gave the message in Lagos at the Revival Service held in the Church, in Lagos, on Tuesday.

    He urged people to link up with the heavenly economy for an unmerited accomplishment in their daily endeavours.

    According to him, God is at work in Nigeria and has solution to every problem that mankind faces.

    “He will rollover the people’s difficulties, for in such situations His name is glorified to prove He is in control.

    “He will replace hardship with uncommon blessings, self fulfilment and development on all fronts.

    “Ours is to hook up with Him in prayers and have faith in His benevolence toward His chosen ones.

    “Be steadfast in your trust in Him. Do that which is expected of you as believer, flee from sinful conducts and maintain acceptable Christian lifestyle,” he said.

    Muoka noted with regret the social challenges in the country, but said there would be light at the end of the tunnel.

    He prayed for God’s direction on the leadership of the country for them to have discerning minds to lead the people right.

  • Ekiti Govt. assures economic crisis and pains will soon be over

    Ekiti Govt. assures economic crisis and pains will soon be over

    Economic pains being experienced across the country would soon be a thing of the past, Ekiti’s deputy governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, assured on Saturday.

    Afuye gave the assurance at Ido-Ile while monitoring Ekiti’s monthly sanitation exercise in Ekiti West Local Government Area and Okemesi/Ido-Ile Local Council Development Area.

    She noted that the pains of on-going economic reforms had been exacerbated by skyrocketing food and essential commodities’ prices.

    The deputy governor assured also that President Bola Tinubu would take all necessary economic and political measures to put a soothing balm on the pains of Nigerians.

    This, she explained, would be done by initiating permanent and palliative policies to make the economy stronger and to return normalcy to the system.

    She appealed that in spite of the economic crunch and the attendant discomfort; citizens should continue to prioritise personal and environmental hygiene for wellness and extended life expectancy.

    She said that Gov. Biodun Oyebanji and his team were thinking outside the box to cushion the effects of the current inflationary rate on Ekiti residents.

    Afuye recalled that the state government approved N331 million for local governments to buy palliative materials for distribution to the people.

    Government also constituted a Price Control and Regulation Committee to tackle arbitrary increases in the prices goods, she said.

    The deputy governor argued that the two measures should convince the citizenry that landmark measures were being devised to alleviate the hardships.

    “Please, let us be patient with President Tinubu as he is still new in office. By the grace of God and your support, all these pains will soon be over.

    “In Ekiti, the governor is working round-the-clock to support President Tinubu to address the current situation,’’ she said.

    Speaking at the Palace of Olojudo of Ido-Ile, Oba Aderemi Obaleye about how passionate the government was about environmental sanitation, Afuye restated that Ekiti would not allow the breakout of diseases on account of citizens’ laxity.

    She stressed that the current economic crisis should not be an impediment to ensuring cleanliness to reduce morbidity and mortality rates.

    “The current economic crisis is not a barrier to maintaining cleanliness. I commend the community, however, for the state of cleanliness and this must continue in our collective interests,’’ Afuye added.

    In his remarks, Oba Obaleye, thanked Gov. Oyebanji for setting Ekiti on a fast economic pace and for infrastructural facelift.

    He promised that his community would continually support the government to ensure comprehensive health at all times.

  • HUNGER: Again, protesting youths block Kaduna-Abuja Highway over food price hike

    HUNGER: Again, protesting youths block Kaduna-Abuja Highway over food price hike

    Embittered youths barricaded the Kaduna-Abuja highway during a protest over the economic hardship in the country.

    The youths set tyres on fire on the busy road, insisting that government should come to the aid of the poor.

    According to a resident who posted a video clip of the protest on his Twitter page, @modoriakhan: “Kaduna road has been barricaded by youths throwing pebbles on moving vehicles”.

    The protest caused heavy traffic congestion on the road with travellers appealing to the youths to allow them continue their journies.

    A transport service provider, Musa Sani, who spoke to National Watch Tv, said there was heavy traffic due to the protest.

    “Vehicles have to take a diversion through Jere to get to Abuja and some that are going further will pass through Abuja town.”

    According to Mr Sani, the police have arrived at the scene and were talking to the youths, while vehicles are being allowed to continue their journies.

  • Economic downturn: Cement price climbs to N7,000 per bag

    Economic downturn: Cement price climbs to N7,000 per bag

    The retail price of cement has risen from N5,000 in December, 2023 to between N6,500 and N7,000 per bag as at February 9, 2024, depending on the location in the country.

    Investigations revealed that operators under the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) have raised prices of brands by over N1,000 per bag. This has increased retail prices from N5, 000 to N6, 200 or more in Lagos and Southwest region. In Southeast and Abuja, prices have shot up to N6, 500 or higher.

    The development has already affected prices of sandcrete blocks. Block makers have increased their prices from N450 to N500 for a six inches block, while the price of a nine-inch block rose from N550 to N600 per block. The price of ready-mix concrete has also increased, while the cost of in-situ production of concrete will rise significantly. Such an increment will worsen the economic situation as prices of new homes and rents will rise, including maintenance cost.

    The Nigerian cement industry has three major players with Dangote Cement Plc being the leader, wielding 60.6 per cent of the market share with a local installed capacity of 29.3 million MT. Lafarge Africa Plc has 21.8 per cent share with a production capacity of 10.5 million MT, while BUA Group accounts for 17.6 per cent share.

    Stakeholders attributed the increasement to infrastructure challenges, ranging from inadequate transportation networks to an unreliable power supply, compound operational costs for cement producers.

    A report by Cardinal Stone titled, ‘Nigeria Cement Rebounding from a Tumultuous Year’ revealed that cement prices in 2024 will remain high, saying, the year 2023 was challenging for the nation’s cement industry occasioned by the poorly executed naira redesign which led to cash scarcity, currency devaluation in June, and heavy rainfalls during the third quarter (Q3).

    However, it projected a rebound in the sector’s performance in 2024 based on the increased infrastructure budget for 2024 at N1.32 trillion, the creation of the Infrastructure Support Fund( ISF) by the Presidency, active implementation of the (AfCTA), increased production capacity, among others.

    For pricing, the report noted that cement prices will continue to remain high in 2024 due to producers seeking to offset operational costs, volatility in the forex market, and high inflation.

    The group executive chairman of Lancelot Group, Mr. Adebayo Adeleke stated that, the Nigeria’s economy is highly reliant on cement for the development of basic infrastructures such as roads, water supply, hospitals, schools, houses ports, saying that although, the domestics dem for cement in Nigeria been expanding rapidly, local production continued to fall short of the dem hence, price of cement in the cement time been increasing daily.

    The chief executive officer of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf stated that this is a reflection of the general macroeconomic environment, a reflection of the inflationary trend.

    He pointed out that, “this inflation phenomenon is cutting across all sectors of the economy. And for those in production, their costs are also going up; costs of inputs are going up, costs of transportation are going up and costs of energy are going up.

    “Exchange rate is affecting practically all the sectors. Because like many other manufacturing industries, they also have their own imported components in their production ecosystem.

    “And any imported item now, or imported inputs, the costs are going up again. So that is what it is. So that means that the cost of construction will go up, our ability to meet housing needs and bridge the housing deficit will also be negatively affected because of the high cost of cement and other construction materials.”

    Yusuf added that, “cost of projects will generally go up, all the construction projects that are in the budget. So, a lot of project costs will have to be reviewed, whether in government or in the private sector.”

    On the way out, Yusuf explained that, “is for us to address the macroeconomic issues. Macroeconomic challenges of high inflation, depreciating exchange rate, liquidity in the foreign exchange market, high energy costs, among others need to be addressed.”

    He called for better liquidity in the forex market; stronger naira, that is a stronger exchange rate, adding that, “we must ensure a local production of petroleum products, which hopefully may bring down the cost of energy. All of those things could help to mitigate the problem.”