Olalekan Adigun
Nigerians are coping with the unpleasant reality of rising food costs since President Bola Tinubu took office, and many are bemoaning the increased financial difficulties imposed by his administration. The term “ebi n pa wa” — which means “We’re hungry” in Yoruba – has become a heartbreaking sentiment heard across the country in homes, markets, and on social media.
During his electoral campaigns, Tinubu was praised for his economic expertise and promises of prosperity, but his reign has seen a fast deterioration in the cost of basic food products, driving broad parts of the people into financial despair. The cost of basics such as rice, beans, maize, and cooking oil has skyrocketed to unprecedented heights, leaving many families struggling to put food on the table.
During one of Abuja City Journal’s visits to markets in Abuja and its environs, our correspondents noticed buyers and sellers lamenting the high costs of basic items early January 2024.
Compounding the issue is the perceived lack of decisive action from the government to address the crisis effectively. According to an Abuja-based public policy analyst, Tony Aganyi, “Despite assurances of implementing robust economic policies, the Tinubu administration has been criticized for its perceived inertia in tackling the root causes of food inflation.”
Recall that several analysts have made stringent calls for urgent interventions, such as subsidies, price controls, and investments in agricultural infrastructure, have largely fallen on deaf ears, deepening public frustration and disillusionment.
For the average Nigerian, the consequences of soaring food prices are far-reaching and profound. Families are forced to make agonizing choices between buying food or meeting other basic needs such as healthcare and education. Small businesses are grappling with dwindling consumer purchasing power, leading to layoffs and closures. The ripple effects of this crisis extend beyond mere economic inconvenience, threatening the social fabric and stability of the nation.
As the clamor for relief grows louder, President Tinubu finds himself confronted with a daunting challenge: to deliver on his promise of prosperity and alleviate the suffering of millions or risk further eroding the trust and confidence of the electorate. The fate of his administration hinges on his ability to implement bold and effective measures to mitigate the impact of food inflation and steer the nation toward a path of sustainable economic growth.
