Femi Falana Responds to Soaring Food Prices, calls for price control
By: Shabach Bako
To address the escalating food prices and combat the challenges faced by Nigerians, the Federal Government is set to release an additional 60,000 tonnes of grains, complementing the 42,000 tonnes earlier released from its silos. This initiative, spearheaded by the Executive Chairman of Ijebu North East Local Government, Hon Folusho Badejo, aims to provide relief and improve access to essential food items. However, Vice President Kashim Shettima has alleged sabotage attempts undermining the government’s efforts to revamp the Nigerian economy.
As part of interim measures, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced plans to directly dispose of seized food items to Nigerians. Customs Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the certified fit-for-consumption food items would be distributed nationwide through equitable means, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda.
Customs also intensified anti-smuggling operations to prevent unlawful exportation of vital food resources. This move follows the recent Federal Government announcement to pursue food hoarders and illegal smugglers, identified as contributors to the rising costs of commodities.
Vice President Shettima confirmed the interception of 45 trucks moving maize out of Nigeria and exposed 32 illegal smuggling routes. He emphasized the need for unity in the face of governance challenges, condemning forces attempting to destabilize the country.
In response to the escalating prices, Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) insisted on decisive government intervention, urging the enforcement of price control mechanisms as stipulated by the Price Control Act. Falana’s recent lawsuit against the Federal Government sought to address the failure to control rising prices of essential commodities.
While Vice President Shettima hinted at a potential price board to regulate food item prices, President Tinubu opposed the establishment of a price control board. The Federal High Court in Lagos, in response to Falana’s suit, ordered the government to fix prices of various goods and petroleum products within seven days.
Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal addressed citizens’ concerns over the rising cost of living, asserting that peaceful protests are a lawful means for expressing grievances. As citizens grapple with economic challenges, these developments underscore the complex interplay of government measures and public demands in mitigating the impact of soaring food prices.
