The INSIGHT: Stop The Hunger!
Last week, a father of four children was lamenting to me how things has gone so miserable for him as a result of the current economic situation. He told me how he barely performs his duties as a responsible father and husband to his household. He claimed that things were really tight as his work was no longer booming and flourishing . He frankly told me that the three square meals in a day has become a mirage for his family due to the hike and cost of food items. This was as the same ordeal shared with me by my mother who sells clothing materials in a local market. She said things are tough and rough for her as she barely makes any sales these days. Aside that the price of a yard of a material has really gone up, she told me that many people are really hungry, and that it is only someone who has fed himself or herself enough that would remember buying Aso Ebi. Even, Last Wednesday afternoon, I met a probably 7-year old boy, begging for money to eat. He approached me, but I curiously asked about his parents. His response was that his single mother has gone out for some days because there was nothing to eat at home. I am also not free from the ugly situation too. I have become a victim to hunger. Before, I could eat twice a day. But these days, I only can afford one square meal for each day. No thanks to high cost of living and harsh economy.
No doubt, the ravaging hunger in the land is making the people angry at the government and its actions. Recently, residents in Niger, Kogi, Osun and Kano States took over major roads in protest against high costs of food items. Contrary to the ruling government's assumption that the protests were politically motivated, the truth is that there is real huger in the country. And the hardship is becoming unbearable. This is buttressed by the assertion made by the highly revered Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who told President Bola Tinubu that Nigerians were frustrated and angry over the level of suffering and impoverishment being experienced in the country. Perhaps those in power may not feel the impact of economic woes, but they can get substantial information about the hardship from their distant relatives, staff and sincere business associates. These people would give them vivid picture of what the populace are going through on the streets. The people are choked and can barely breathe.
The prices of every commodity has skyrocketed in the markets including sachet of water. The costs of goods and services have incredibly multiplied. Even fees for both private and public schools have outrageously been increased. Despite low usage, electricity bills have gone up. Medical drugs have become out of reach for the poor. The reality on the ground is very terrible. And the government should act assiduously!
I understand that some measures have been taken to alleviate the suffering. But how effective? From food palliatives to cash transfer. How has any of them positively mitigated the hardship? How many people can the government point to to that have benefited from the policies? I am also aware that the government is mulling over opening up the national food reserves to distribute food items. As good as it may sound as a short term solution, it may not bring any comfort or relief to the people. The reason is quite obvious. How many people would the national food reserves serve? And what happened to previous palliatives? These are pertinent questions the government should look at. In fact, our problem is not the supply, it is the purchasing power.
Since it may seem impossible for the government to fix prices for these essential items, it is expedite to opt for better alternatives. Alternatives like provision of social amenities like motorable roads, free healthcare system, subsidy on stable electricity supply, subsidized public transportation and basic and tertiary education. These are ameliorative strategies that can help mitigate the effect of the rising inflation rate of over 29% on the citizenry.
Another way out is for the government to ensure prudent spending of public funds and cut down the cost of governance. Building official residence for the President and Vice-President at this trying time is rather wasteful. Such funds can be channelled to build a world class hospitals in the country or construct railways to improve the transportation system.
On a last note, Nigeria’s economy is dwindling as a result of naira devaluation. Perhaps the growth of the naira is in the hands of everyone especially those in government by patronising Nigerian made products. Rather the the SUVs and Prado jeeps, why not consider Nigerian alternatives to strengthen the economy. Embracing the naira as a means of exchange should now be a top most responsibility of every Nigerian.
Damilare Adeleye is a social commentator and journalist. Can be reached via [email protected].