Senate Urgently Addresses Soaring Food Prices and Economic Hardships

The Nigerian Senate engaged in a critical debate on Tuesday to address the escalating hunger and economic distress affecting citizens, amid fears of potential unrest similar to recent events in Kenya.

The debate was prompted by a motion titled “Urgent Need to Address Food Insecurity and Market Exploitation of Consumables in Nigeria,” sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West and co-sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South.

Senator Karimi highlighted soaring prices of essential goods, attributing them to high inflation and currency devaluation. He cited recent Bureau of Statistics data showing food inflation had spiked to 40.66% year-on-year.

He condemned market exploitation and a prevalent “get rich quick” mindset among traders, likening it to corruption among political and corporate elites.

Senator Ndume underscored the severity of the situation, citing a report predicting over 32 million Nigerians facing critical hunger crises soon.

Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan warned of dwindling public patience, urging swift action to prevent severe repercussions. He emphasized the urgent need for food imports due to depleted national reserves.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio attributed the crisis to prolonged security challenges, including herder-farmer conflicts and insurgency.

The Senate concluded the debate by calling for immediate coordinated efforts to alleviate food insecurity and economic challenges gripping the nation.