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Subsidy removal: Nigerians facing difficulty accessing food items – Expert
Professor Abdulazeez Lawal, a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), has argued that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the exchange rate have created challenges for many Nigerians in accessing food items.
Lawal made this assertion during his presentation at the 244th UNILORIN Inaugural Lecture, titled ‘Making Ends Meet With Food Security.’ He cited data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which revealed that the consumer price index increased from 22.22 percent to 24.41 percent between April and May 2023.
He pointed out that the food inflation rate rose from 24.61 percent in April to 24.82 percent in May 2023, representing a 5.33 percent point increase compared to the 19.5 percent recorded in May 2022.
The professor, who teaches in UNILORIN’s Faculty of Agriculture, noted that an estimated 17 million people were at risk of food insecurity in October 2022. He emphasized that unless immediate measures are taken to address the ongoing surge in food prices, Nigeria will continue to grapple with acute food insecurity.
Lawal stressed the significance of agriculture as a crucial component of the global food system, with substantial socio-economic importance for many countries, including employment generation, nutrition, and rural development. He highlighted that agriculture is likely to be the primary driver of economic and social development in the near future for numerous nations.
He also pointed out that smallholder farmers are responsible for over 80 percent of the world’s food production, and people living in rural areas are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to limited access to food and financial resources.
With over 200 million people in Nigeria, approximately 80 percent depend on small-scale agriculture for their food requirements. Lawal recommended the improvement of agricultural production and rural livelihood activities to enhance food supplies and increase the income of farming households.
Furthermore, he advised governments at all levels to enhance funding and effectively implement food security programs. He called for policy strategies that promote technology transfer and the adoption of modern farming techniques by smallholder farmers.
Lastly, the agriculturist urged the government to prioritize the security of lives and property by implementing development and peace-building policies in conflict-affected areas.
News
Police arrest Portable over G-Wagon debt
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
News
Electricity Tariff Hike: Labour Shuts Down NERC, DisCos In States
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.
News
Katsina Gov swears in new Head of Service, retains former Reform Adviser
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
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