Nigeria is currently facing a multitude of challenges, with two of the most pressing being the skyrocketing prices of food and fuel. The cost of living in the country has been steadily increasing, making it difficult for many Nigerians to afford basic necessities.
Responding to these challenges, The Imo State Leadership In Diaspora Forum through its President-General, Chief. Engr. Sampson Udeh, said it has declared war against these issues and is calling on Daisporans to assist in finding solutions by encouraging their people in Nigeria to go back to the farm.
According to Engr. Udeh: “One of the main causes of the rising food prices in Nigeria is lack of Agricultural Productivity . Many farmers in the country are facing challenges such as inadequate access to modern farming techniques, poor infrastructure and climate change.
“As a result of these, the country is heavily reliant on imported produce and other edible commodities which skyrockets prices and puts a strain on the economy.
“We urged Nigerians to go back to farm and increase productivity in order to reduce the country’s heavy dependency on imported foods and stabilize food prices.
“In addition to the rising of food prices, Nigerians are also grappling with the increasing cost of fuel. The country is also heavily dependent on imported fuel, and fluctuations in global oil prices have a direct impact on the cost of fuel in Nigeria. This has led to frequent fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations, making it difficult for many Nigerians to commute to work and carry out their daily activities. Engr. Udeh is calling on the government to invest in alternative sources of energy and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuel in order to stabilize prices and ensure a steady supply.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been in and out of shortlived nationwide strikes following the federal government’s non-compliance with the new minimum wage. This threats have been put in check for months on the round tables of negotiations, urging the government to implement the proposed minimum wage for workers across the country.
The strike will have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria, including: Economic paralysis. The strike will bring economic activities to a standstill, with businesses and industries suffering losses. Healthcare and education services may be disrupted, putting the health and well-being of citizens at risk. The strike may lead to food shortages and increased prices, exacerbating the already dire economic situation. The strike may lead to social unrest, as frustrated citizens take to the streets to protest the government’s inaction.
The non-payment of pension and gratuity to retired workers has caused untold hardship, with many retirees struggling to survive. Prices of essential items skyrockets daily, making it impossible for basic salaries to meet basic needs.
The government’s non-compliance and non-payment of pension and gratuity have put workers in a precarious situation, with many facing Financial hardship, Unable to meet basic needs, with a tendency for Increased poverty and inequality including a Reduced standard of living
The NLC strike should be a wake-up call to the federal government to prioritize workers’ welfare. The government must urgently address the issues raised by the NLC to avoid a prolonged strike that could have severe consequences for the nation’s economy and citizens.
By implementing the minimum wage law and paying outstanding pensions and gratuities, the government can restore hope and dignity to Nigerian workers.
The non-payment of pensions and gratuities is a clear violation of workers’ rights and a breach of trust between the government and its employees. It is unacceptable for retired workers to be left without the financial support they are entitled to after years of dedicated service to the country.
The NLC is calling on the government to urgently address these issues and ensure that workers are paid the new minimum wage, as well as their pensions and gratuities.
As the strike of Monday June 3, 2024, was shelved, it is crucial for the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the NLC and work towards a resolution that is fair and just for all parties involved. The welfare of workers must be prioritized, and their rights must be respected in order to ensure a stable and prosperous future for Nigeria as a nation.
In order for the government to address challenges of FOOD AND FUEL PRICES SKYROCKETING, the government needs to improve in productivity and reduce the country’s dependency on imported goods.
This can be achieved through the provision of modern farming techniques, improved infrastructure and access to credit for small holder farmers.
Secondly, the government should invest in alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power in order to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuel. This will stabilize the price of PMS, AGO etc. but also reduce the country’s carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Again, issue of insecurity has a far reaching devastating effects on the economy whilst most farmers can no longer have access to their farms, some are killed even as others had to vacate their farms for terrorists, AK47 wielding herders among others. With this trend, we can’t have our farmers do anything in such a dicey situation.
Our people in Diaspora can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing support and encouragement to the those in Nigeria by investing in Agriculture and alternative energy sources to boost the economy and improve the standard of living for all Nigerians. As a matter of facts most of them have done that already but are all facing the threats of insecure environment.
Actually the challenges of the rising of food and fuel prices are significant but investment, building a resilient and sustainable future we will overcome.
