Lawan Warns of Potential Mass Protests Over Rising Food Prices
Ahmad Lawan, former President of the Senate, has warned that there could be mass protests if the three arms of government do not collaborate to reduce food prices and high electricity tariffs.
Lawan made this statement during a debate on a motion sponsored by Sunday Karimi, the senator representing Kogi West, which focused on the urgent need to address “food insecurity.”
Highlighting the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, Lawan emphasized the urgency of taking action to prevent public unrest.
“If we don’t take urgent actions on increased food prices and electricity tariffs, we will not like the actions we will see on the streets,” Lawan stated. “We cannot take the people for granted for too long.”
Karimi pointed out that the prices of food staples have risen by over 300% following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
“Insecurity in food-producing regions, bad roads, increased transportation costs due to the removal of the fuel subsidy, and the depreciation of the naira are contributing factors to the surge in prices of food items and household commodities,” Karimi explained. “However, the major cause is the desire of merchants, traders, and retailers to make supernormal profits.”
The Senate has called on the relevant government ministries and agencies to address the problem urgently. The motion was adopted after being put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
