The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has expressed grave concern over the escalating cost of food in Nigeria, describing the situation as “unbearable.”
Speaking at the Kano Government House on Thursday during the distribution of free fertiliser to 52,800 farmers across Kano State, Mr. Sanusi highlighted the severe economic hardship faced by Nigerians under Chief Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Mr. Sanusi noted that the rising food prices have forced many people to buy reduced quantities of essentials, such as half portions of pepper. He expressed hope that the fertiliser distribution initiative would provide some relief to farmers and help mitigate the impact of soaring food costs.
“People are in a dire situation,” Mr Sanusi stated. “I’m aware that people now resort to buying half pepper because of the high cost of food items. This is unbearable.”
The former Central Bank governor articulated, “But I think with efforts like this, people can get some relief,” suggesting that the fertiliser distribution initiative would help farmers.
The Emir’s remarks come amid mounting economic challenges since Tinubu took office, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira. These policies have caused petrol prices to surge from N145 to N710 per litre and the naira to depreciate to approximately N1,500 to the dollar.
Despite commendations from economic experts and the International Monetary Fund for these reforms, the resultant spike in food prices has led to protests in various states.
According to recent surveys by the Peoples Gazette, food prices have more than doubled nationwide since May 29, 2023, when Tinubu was inaugurated.
The economic strain has also sparked incidents such as the looting of a government warehouse in Abuja and attacks on food trucks in Suleja and Zaria, underscoring the widespread hunger affecting the nation.
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