From the Publisher
Hunger In Nigeria: An Avoidable Phenomenon
Today, millions of Nigerians are facing the unimaginable hardship of hunger, as basic food items have become increasingly unaffordable.
It’s a heartbreaking reality when people in a nation blessed with rich agricultural resources—fertile land and a favourable climate—are left struggling to feed their families.
The hunger that persists in our land is not just a statistic; it’s a profound tragedy for a country that once thrived on its agricultural produce, where farming contributed over 60 percent to our national economy.
This current crisis is deeply rooted in the relentless insecurity that has plagued our nation, including the threats from Boko Haram, ISIS, and other armed bandits, particularly in the northern regions. These forces have effectively driven farmers away from their lands, fostering a climate of fear and desperation.
The tragic loss of over 1,356 farmers from northern Nigeria between 2020 and 2024 underscores the severity of this crisis and the human cost involved.
Compounding these challenges are policies of the current administration—such as the removal of fuel subsidies and currency floatation—that have further strained the already precarious situation. It begs the question: how did we allow ourselves to reach this point?
It is shocking to witness prices soar to N4,000 for a paint rubber of garri or N5,000 for an average tuber of yam. Basic staples—beans and rice—now command prices around N10,000 for a paint rubber, leaving many families in a constant state of worry.
How long must we endure this hunger? How long will our brave soldiers stand by while our farmers suffer at the hands of these cowardly attacks? How long will our government simply observe the chaos that threatens our nation’s economic stability?
It is crucial for us—as a nation—to awaken from this challenging slumber. We must renew our commitment to agriculture, ensuring every region can be self-sufficient and not rely solely on the northern farmers.
Equally important is a call to our military: let us come together, drawing on the spirit of unity from our past, to confront those who wish to harm us.
Moreover, we implore the Nigerian government to turn its focus towards the daily struggles faced by millions of its citizens and to implement policies that are sensitive to the needs of the people. The time for compassionate action is now.
Preference For Foreign Goods Responsible For Present Economic Woes
The current state of our economy is a cause for concern, and it is essential to understand the reasons behind it. One of the significant contributors to our economic woes is our preference for foreign products. As a nation, we must acknowledge the impact of our actions and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation.
Unfortunately, most Nigerians tend to opt for imported products over locally made ones without considering the consequences. Our indigenous manufacturers face numerous challenges, including multiple taxation, inadequate infrastructure, high cost of raw materials, and poor power supply. Despite these difficulties, they are still striving to keep their businesses running and provide employment opportunities for the citizens.
However, the citizens who should be supporting them by patronizing their products are only making things worse by ignoring them and opting for foreign goods. Every time we purchase imported products, we are inadvertently contributing to the growth of foreign economies at the expense of our own.
In 2022 alone, Nigeria imported goods worth a total of 53.6 billion US dollars. Similarly, a total of N1.9 trillion worth of food materials were imported into the country, most of which are locally available. This trend is causing significant harm to our economy and hindering the growth of our indigenous businesses.
Recently, there was an outcry against the choice of federal lawmakers to purchase SUVs worth millions of naira each. Even if they must have these luxury cars at all costs, shouldn’t they have patronized Nigeria-made SUVs instead?
The impact on our economy and employment would have been significant if the 360 members of the House of Representatives and the 109 members of the Senate had chosen to buy locally-made cars instead.
The indigenous businesses are folding up daily, unemployment is widespread, poverty is increasing, and the economy is suffering.
However, instead of blaming the government, we must all take responsibility for our actions and embrace locally produced goods.
The Nigerian manufacturing sector has improved tremendously in terms of quality, branding, and packaging. There are now hundreds of locally made products that compete favourably with foreign goods.
As citizens, we must be willing to prioritize Made in Nigeria products and lead by example.
Enacting laws that require government and public office holders to purchase locally made goods could be a significant step towards changing the mindset of the citizens.
Once we prioritize our locally made goods and services, our productivity will improve, and the economy will bounce back.
Recent News
