Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has raised concerns over the escalating cost of living and food scarcity in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Ndume criticized the federal government’s inaction on these pressing issues, noting that even some ministers are unable to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the matter.
Ndume stated, “The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed, to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly, who do not have the opportunity to meet with him and discuss the issues affecting their constituencies.
Ndume’s remarks came shortly after he and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi sponsored a motion to address the food crisis in the country.
They highlighted the World Food Programme’s warning that 82 million Nigerians are likely to face food insecurity in the next five years.
The senator emphasized the urgency of government intervention to prevent a potential famine and starvation, especially among children.
He cited the example of Katsina State, where malnutrition is already affecting children, and drew parallels with the severe hunger crises in Niger Republic and South Sudan.
The senator added, “We have seen how it happened in Niger Republic and South Sudan, where children are dying due to hunger, and we are starting to see it in Nigeria.
“What we want the government to do is to sit with experts and other stakeholders to find a solution to the problem. We are urging the government to take action, lest they forget that Nigeria is grappling with both soaring prices and a severe food shortage.”
“We fear that a day may come when even if someone has the financial means to purchase food, they will go to the market and find none available.”
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