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Stakeholders, consumers worry as prices of flour, bread soar
Presently, Nigerians, especially those from humble backgrounds, are facing challenging times as the affordability of basic necessities, particularly bread, diminishes. Bread, once a staple for the poor due to its accessibility and low cost, has become increasingly unaffordable. The escalating prices of food items have exacerbated the plight of the masses, leading to malnutrition and hunger-related deaths. The pervasive inflationary trend has impacted all facets of life, including food prices. Moreover, the devaluation of the Naira in the global market has further exacerbated economic hardships for Nigerian households.
Recent protests in Niger and Kano States highlight public discontent over the soaring cost of living. Despite these grievances, the government has struggled to find solutions, particularly in addressing the consistent rise in wheat flour prices, the primary ingredient for bread. Bread producers and consumers alike are grappling with the unprecedented price hikes, prompting demonstrations and calls for urgent government intervention.
In the northern regions, Gurasa, a local bread variant, serves as a vital sustenance for many, especially the economically disadvantaged. The protests feature demands for governmental action, underscored by placards expressing frustrations over inflation, flour price hikes, and widespread hunger.
Two main arguments emerge to explain the bread crisis: one attributes it to the removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to increased transport costs, while the other points to the depreciation of the Naira against the dollar. Both factors contribute to the escalating costs of flour and other essential commodities, plunging many bread producers out of business.
While the fuel subsidy removal advocates blame the policy for exacerbating transportation costs and, consequently, bread prices, those highlighting the Naira depreciation argue that imported wheat flour’s cost is directly impacted by the currency’s exchange rate.
For bread consumers, the situation is dire, with prices doubling within a short period, making it unaffordable for many low-income families. The prevailing sentiment among citizens is one of frustration and urgency, urging the government to address the crisis promptly to avert a potential humanitarian disaster.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested popular musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.
DAILY POST learnt that the controversial singer was nabbed on Tuesday following his alleged refusal to pay the debt he incurred when he purchased G-Wagon from a car dealer in the state.
According to reports, Portable had paid only N13 million after purchasing the vehicle, which was worth N27 million. He was said to have refused to pay the N14 million balance.
The car dealer reportedly took the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the singer.
When contacted by DAILY POST, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest.
He simply said: “The report is true. He was arrested today.”
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) took action yesterday by shutting down offices of electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) nationwide.
This protest was sparked by the recent increase in electricity tariffs by NERC and the DisCos, with the unions demanding a complete reversal of the hike and the reclamation of public electricity assets.
During the protest at NERC headquarters in Abuja, workers displayed placards bearing messages such as “We are not a generator Republic” and “Let the poor breathe. Give us affordable and constant light,” indicating their frustration with the current state of the power sector.
NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, criticized the privatization efforts as a failure and called for a reversal of the tariff increases. He emphasized the disproportionate impact on wage earners who cannot adjust their income to offset rising utility costs, unlike business owners.
Ajaero also highlighted the adverse effects on small and medium-sized enterprises, crucial to Nigeria’s informal economy, exacerbating the unemployment crisis.
The labour center reiterated its rejection of the recent tariff hike and urged the government to honor previous agreements, including a halt to further increases until specific conditions are met.
In response, NERC chairman, Sanusi Garba, acknowledged the peaceful nature of the protest and assured consideration of concerns regarding tariff affordability and energy source diversification.
Meanwhile, the NLC and TUC picketed the headquarters of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) in Plateau State, the offices of NERC and Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in Ebonyi State, and the headquarters of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Ondo State.
Similar protests occurred in Bayelsa, Adamawa, Osun, Kebbi, and Ekiti States, demonstrating widespread discontent with the electricity tariff hike across the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has sworn in Alhaji Falalu Bawale as the state’s new Head of Service.
The Katsina Governor also swore in the immediate past Head of Service, Usman Isiyaku, as Special Adviser on Public Service Reforms and member of the State Executive Council.
Addressing the audience at the swearing-in ceremony after administering the oath of office and oath of allegiance to the appointees at the Katsina Government House Chamber, Governor Radda stated that both the new Head of Service and the Special Adviser were appointed on merit.
He called on all the permanent secretaries to join hands with the new head of service to enable them deliver for the progress of the state.
According to the Katsina Governor, the major challenge facing the incumbent administration was the issue of time, as the state government had a lot to cover.
Turning to the Special Adviser, Governor Radda described him as a committed and trustworthy personality, which prompted the state administration to retain him to enjoy more from his vast experience.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
Police arrest Portable over G-Wagon debt
Electricity Tariff Hike: Labour Shuts Down NERC, DisCos In States
Katsina Gov swears in new Head of Service, retains former Reform Adviser
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