Tinubu and Governors Confer on Food Crisis Amidst Lamentations by Emirs and NBA Over Economic Hardship
The ongoing fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria has led to increased transport costs and food inflation, prompting concerns from Northern traditional rulers and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) about the resulting hardship in the country. To address these issues, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting with state governors today (Thursday) at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. The meeting aims to find solutions to the current economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The meeting with the governors will take place before President Tinubu’s departure to Ethiopia for the African Union meeting. The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, and an aide to Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State have confirmed their attendance at the meeting. This gathering comes shortly after governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) likened Nigeria’s economic situation to that of Venezuela, a country facing hyperinflation and severe economic challenges.
In response to these criticisms, the Presidency highlighted the governors’ failure to meet financial obligations such as paying salaries, pensions, and implementing the N30,000 minimum wage. Protests have erupted in several states across Nigeria, with citizens demanding solutions to the economic crisis. The organized Labour has also threatened to go on strike by February 23 if the Federal Government fails to provide palliatives and other assistance to alleviate the economic hardships faced by workers.
Meanwhile, the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, led by Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III, expressed concern about the deteriorating socio-economic conditions and insecurity in Nigeria. Sultan Abubakar emphasized the urgent need to address poverty and insecurity, warning that Nigeria is facing a crisis if these issues are not promptly tackled. He called for the engagement of unemployed youths as a way to mitigate the impending calamity posed by rising poverty and unemployment.
In a similar vein, the NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, called on President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and prioritize investments in security systems. Maikyau emphasized the need for the government to ensure the security of lives and properties, as insecurity has led to homelessness and the destruction of businesses. He also highlighted the negative impact of insecurity on food sufficiency and the economy, calling for urgent action to revamp the economy.
As the meeting between President Tinubu and state governors approaches, there is hope that concrete solutions will be proposed to address the food crisis and economic challenges facing Nigeria. The cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders, including the government, traditional rulers, and civil society, will be crucial in finding lasting solutions to these pressing issues.
