Rising Hunger and Economic Struggles Leave Nigerians in Despair
By Lawrence Audu
Across Nigeria, a growing sense of despair looms as the grip of hunger and deprivation tightens amidst challenging economic conditions exacerbated by the removal of subsidies and the weakening of the naira against the dollar. In recent weeks, the prices of essential goods have skyrocketed, with alarming speed, in markets nationwide.
In the building materials markets of Lugbe, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, Smart Ndukka, a timber merchant, bemoans the severe blow to his business. Just last week, a bundle of zinc was priced at 32,000 Naira — today, it commands a staggering 50,000 Naira. Similarly, the cost of cement has surged from 5,000 to 13,000 Naira. “Where are we headed?” he wonders aloud, capturing the widespread concern among struggling traders.
Angela, a homemaker, has been forced to drastically cut back on her purchases as prices soared by up to 70% within a mere five days. Overwhelmed with emotion, she confesses, “I feel like crying right now, because I could barely buy half of what’s on my list. I will just get the basic commodities so that the kids can have something to eat.”
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As the financial strain intensifies, Nigerians are beginning to voice their discontent through protests in various regions, decrying the exorbitant cost of living. However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio appears disconnected from the grim reality faced by ordinary citizens, dismissing the protests as politically motivated. He claims that states have received substantial funds — over 30 billion Naira — to alleviate the impact of economic hardship.
Nevertheless, experts caution that merely channelling funds to state governors is not a panacea for the deep-rooted challenges plaguing the nation. They advocate for deliberate and comprehensive efforts to address the multifaceted issues driving the current crisis, emphasising the need for sustainable solutions to uplift the ailing economy and alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian populace.
