Concerns Mount as Hunger Triggers Calls to Reverse Economic Policies

Amid escalating hunger and widespread looting of warehouses across Nigeria, citizens are urging the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to reconsider and reverse some of its economic policies.

The recent looting incidents have been attributed to the prevailing economic hardship, forcing Nigerians to resort to survival strategies. Early Sunday witnessed angry, hungry citizens looting a strategic food store in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The looting echoes previous incidents during the EndSARS protests and COVID-19 lockdowns, where government warehouses were invaded and relief materials, including food, were stolen. The latest surge in looting reflects the ongoing economic challenges, raising concerns about a potential revolution if the situation worsens. Some stakeholders emphasize the urgent need for the Tinubu government to acknowledge its mistakes and revisit certain policies contributing to the citizens’ distress.

Former national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Maxi Okwu, highlights the distress faced by Nigerians and suggests a temporary reversal of policies such as the floating of Naira and fuel subsidy to address immediate challenges. Okwu notes the potential for a popular uprising if the government fails to address the situation promptly. Another stakeholder, Yusuf Shehu, warns about the consequences of prolonged economic hardship, emphasizing the need for immediate government intervention.

The incidents have triggered a debate about the government’s responsiveness and the impact of economic policies on the population. While stakeholders acknowledge the wrongfulness of looting, they stress the importance of addressing the root causes, including widespread poverty and hunger. The call for policy adjustments aims to provide short-term relief while the government works on mid-term and long-term solutions to the economic challenges facing the nation.