The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerians

  • Akume to Nigerians: Be wary of crooks selling fake employment

    Akume to Nigerians: Be wary of crooks selling fake employment

    The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has raised the alarm over the activities of some swindlers peddling fake job appointment letters to unsuspecting Nigerians.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 12, by the Head of Information at the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, the swindlers, have been cunning citizens by asking them to submit curriculum vitae at a fee, to a non-existent desk at the SGF’s office.

    According to the statement, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has however warned citizens to be wary of messages circulating in the social media and personal messaging platforms, falsely promising non-existent employment opportunities.

    He said: “The attention of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been drawn to the purported fake appointments by unscrupulous elements to swindle unsuspecting individuals.

    “The SGF described as false the information circulating on the social media, emails, text messages, and other outlets urging members of the public to submit their Curriculum Vitae at a fee, to a non-existing desk at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to facilitate their selection for various federal government appointments.

    Read Also: FG vows to compel airlines to compensate passengers over delayed, cancelled flights

    “The culprit has been using the name of the former Director Information, Willie Bassey, and these fraudulent contacts; *Aliyu Isah; +234 9168487156, +234 8035557865 and email; draliyu95@gmail.com*, among others to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

    “The general public is by this notice advised to be wary of the perpetrators of these dubious activities and their cohorts; and disregard such information being peddled around.

    “Any official enquiry and clarification should follow the official communication channels of the OSGF via www.osgf.gov.ng and info@osgf.gov.ng.

    “In view of the above, the SGF warns peddlers of such fraudulent requests to desist forthwith from using the Office to fleece unsuspecting members of the public or face the wrath of the law.”

  • Cleric to FG: work for interest of Nigerians

    Cleric to FG: work for interest of Nigerians

    The Presiding Shepard of Harvest Centre Mission), Prophet Wale Ojo David has advised President Bola Tinubu and his cabinet ministers to carry out their work in the interest of Nigerians.

    David said this in a statement issued to The Nation yesterday in Lagos, said that the choice of President Bola Tinubu is God’s choice for Nigeria and that Mr. President is a man of honor with a high vision and has full understanding by the grace of God to examine the crises and weaknesses of Nigeria today, to rescue our Nation from the high cost of items.

    “Mr. President that the good people celebrate today not in Lagos only but, across the globe should work more as Nigerians need a better transformation that will come as a new story according to the word of God”, he said.

    Read Also: EFCC: We’ll go after those keeping looted funds abroad  

    This is because of the erroneous motive we now have that the high cost of items can never go down but rather will continue to increase.

    “Mr. President that the good people celebrate today not in Lagos only but, across the globe should work more as Nigerians need a better transformation that will come as a new story according to the word of God”, he said.

    David urged Nigerians to continue to pray as stewards for more strength and wisdom toward building a better country, stressed that all the leaders and government functionaries should also work against wrong policies that can fight for the people’s comfort in Nigeria.

  • NEITI: Nigerians aid foreigners in oil theft, illegal mining

    NEITI: Nigerians aid foreigners in oil theft, illegal mining

    The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) at the weekend revealed that foreigners embark on oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal mining and daylight stealing of the solid minerals with the complicity of Nigerians.

    Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji made this known in his remarks at the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day 2023 in Abuja.

    According to him, the crime is masterminded by foreigners with the complicity of Nigerians.

    “In this sector, Nigeria is still perhaps the only resource rich country confronted with the peculiar challenges of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal mining and daylight stealing of our solid minerals, painfully by foreigners with the collusion of our own citizens,” he said.

     Oil theft alone, said the NEITI boss, Nigeria lost over 619million barrels of crude valued at $46.16billion or N16.25 trillion Naira between 2009 and 2020.

    He added that the country lost 4.2 billion litres of petroleum products from refineries, valued at $1.84 billion at the rate of 140,000 barrels per day from 2009 to 2018.

    Orji said pipelines, critical national assets, were also vandalized as NEITI also disclosed in its reports. In the past five years, 2017 to 2021, Nigeria recorded 7,143 cases of pipeline breakages and deliberate vandalism resulting in crude theft and product losses of 208.639 million barrels valued at $12.74 million or N4.325 trillion.

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    NEITI Reports, according to him, also disclosed that during the same period Nigeria spent over N471. 493 billion to either repair or maintain these pipelines.

    He said as a member of the Inter-Agency Task Team, NEITI believes collaborations and partnerships between stakeholders present here today can create innovative yet efficient and sustainable ways to proffer solutions to address the corruption issues plaguing the country.

    Orji noted that NEITI is committed to supporting the fight against corruption through sharing of credible information and data to ensure that corruption is minimized if not eliminated, in the governance of Nigeria’s extractive sector and recommend the EITI model of multi-stakeholders’ consensus building and oversight as option to implant accountability mechanisms in our governance institutions.

  • Nigerians will unite one day – Senate President

    Nigerians will unite one day – Senate President

    Senate president, Godswill Akpabio on Sunday, December 3, said one day Nigerians will come together in unity and patriotism.

    Akapabio spoke in Abuja at the 20th anniversary edition of service of nine lessons and carols 2023, with the theme: Jesus our hope, organised by the Radio Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and the Voice of Nigeria.

    He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has brought about renewed hope for all, calling on Nigerian to remain fervent in prayers.

    Akpabio recalled that it was prayer that saved Nigerians from death during the Coronavirus (COVID – 19) pandemic.

    The Senate president said: “As we gather here today, united in celebration and joy, we are reminded of the true essence of Christmas — the birth of Jesus Christ, our eternal hope.

    “Let us, therefore, reflect upon

    this profound theme of “Jesus Our Hope,” and embrace His love and grace.

    Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment and goodwill permeate our hearts. Yet, amidst the glittering lights and festive cheer, it is essential to remember the

    reason for this season — the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

    “I believe that one day, Nigerians of all tribes, peoples and tongues will come together in unity and patriotism, and share the love of Jesus Christ.

    “In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife, and challenges, Jesus remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and assurance to all who seek Him.

    We are in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest ever ensemble of Christmas Carol Singers.

    “This feat was attained when I was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. We wanted to have a taste of Heaven when the Bible says in Revelation 7:9 that “… a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white

    robes, with palm branches in their hands.”

    “Just as the star led the way to the humble manger in Bethlehem, Jesus continues to light the path for those who place their trust in Him. His birth represents a promise, a divine covenant calling us out of darkness into His marvelous light. His life exemplifies limitless compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering love. By embracing Jesus as our hope, we discover strength, redemption, and the promise of eternal

    life.

    “In Nigeria, the power of hope resonates deeply within us. We have faced our fair share of trials and tribulations, but our faith and the hope found in the message of Jesus have kept us resilient. Today, as we celebrate Christmas in unity and love, let us rekindle that hope within our hearts, inspiring change, forgiveness, and compassion towards one another.

    “This Christmas carol event, graciously organized by the Nigeria Television Authority, serves as a reminder for us all that our hope in Jesus shall never fail because God’s word shall never pass away. His love which was made manifest In Christmas shall never cease and it brings good will and peace to all of mankind.

    Read Also: FG budget N200 billion for military operation, poverty reduction

    In celebration of this, we have come to witness the power of music, transcending barriers, and touching the depths of our souls.

    “We are reminded of the angelic music the shepherds heard when they heralded his birth. As we embrace these

    harmonious melodies, let us remember that they, too, carry the message of hope through the ages, reminding us of Jesus’ everlasting impact on humanity.

    “In this season of joy, may Jesus’ birth echo within us all, guiding our thoughts, our words, and our actions. May His hope reignite our spirits, encouraging us to spread love and kindness to those around us. Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our world.

    “As we sing our carols and rejoice together, may Jesus, our eternal hope, fill us with renewed faith, strength, and

    purpose. Let us carry His message of love and hope

    throughout the year, illuminating our homes, communities, and our beloved Nigeria.

    In his message, the General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, in Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji urged Nigerians to always embrace peace and unity no matter the situation.

    He prayed God to continue to guild Nigeria leaders for development of the country.

    Also present, at the ceremony was the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

  • Live within your means, psychologist advises Nigerians

    Live within your means, psychologist advises Nigerians

    As the economic hardship takes a toll on Nigerians, Clinical Psychologist, Adedotun Ajiboye has advised people to live within their means.

    He also advised Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers to avoid mental health issues.

    Ajiboye who works with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, gave this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

    NAN reports that the latest inflation data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows a continuous increase in the prices of food items in the country leaving many Nigerians hungry and barely able to feed properly.

    Ajiboye who is also a Counselor, said a bad economy could affect the mental health of a person and negatively impact their biological, psychological, and social status.

    “There is a concept called Bio psychosocial and I will link a bad economy to this concept.

    “This concept contains the biological, which includes your brain to different parts of your body.

    “The second is the psychological, which has to do with your mental health and lastly the social, which has to do with your family, workplace, academics, and the status of an individual.’’

    He said a bad economy could affect a person’s biological status for instance if the person is unable to eat because of lack of money.

    “When an individual does not have money to eat, the biggest issue will be malnutrition, and the best medicine is not to use medication but to eat good food, that is having a balanced diet.

    “When you are not capable of buying the components that make up a balanced diet there will be malnutrition and when someone is malnourished there will be a lot of diseases manifesting.

    “These diseases will lead to other diseases that can lead to death. If someone has financial challenges the health of that person will be affected.’’

    Speaking on how the bad economy affects the psychological/emotional status, Ajiboye said studies had shown that it could affect a person’s mental health leading to anxiety and depression.

    “When you are malnourished and getting sick, the person is sad and what is bringing about that sadness? It is because the person is sick in their body.

    “You can see the spiral effect of the bad economy, initially it affects the biological status (the body)and it is now transferred to the psychological status.

    “When you know your children are hungry and you cannot feed them, it will make you sad and because of that you may not be able to sleep and when your sleep is lost, it can lead to a toxic disorder.

    “Someone may begin to hallucinate because of insomnia (disruptions in how you feel or function because you are not sleeping well or sleeping enough) because of negative emotions and worrying about tomorrow.

    “You begin to have thoughts of hopelessness when you cannot sleep and this leads to depression and can lead to suicide.’’

    He said another effect of the bad economy on the psychological status of a person had to do with behaviour.

    Ajibioye said many Nigerians were going into deviant behaviours, such as internet fraud popularly called “yahoo yahoo”, and gambling which had led to substance addiction such as marijuana, codeine, and tramadol use.

    “All these are behaviours but it started with a mood disorder; someone is confused about life and wants to medicate and overcome the challenges.

    “So that thought process has graduated to bad behavior and bad habits which has led to social vices like internet fraud, and theft. It can also lead to ritual killings and gender-based violence.

    “A husband who does not have money may abuse the wife, not really because he wants to but we have what we call transfer of aggression.

    “When you do not have money and you do not have self-control you will be angry. Therefore, if the economy is okay, some of these bad behaviours will not be seen.’’

    The clinical psychologist said the poor economy could affect the social status of a person in the area of socialisation.

    He said if a person could not afford to go beyond primary or secondary school education their skills and potential would be limited.

    “Even if you have a talent, you may not be able to explore them; low self-esteem will set in and if that person marries, the person may not settle because there may be some inferiority feelings and transfer of aggression.

    “We see a lot of divorce happening now and marital discord because of inferiority feelings caused by lack of socialisation.

    “If you take 10 couples with marital issues and ask them the cause and they are sincere, their answer will be related to money, and financial difficulty.

    “Apart from the family, a bad economy can affect a person in their workplace. Many dubious and fraudulent acts are going on in the workplace.

    “The person gets involved in such acts of fraud because of fear of the unknown and thinks if they leave that position how will they feed their family; so they will steal because they have the opportunity.”

    Ajiboye, however, said this was a bad approach to cope with financial stress caused by a bad economy.

    “So we see the effects of a bad economy. It has a spiral effect; homes, workplaces, and even churches have been affected. You hear people stealing money in church.’’

    He said some ways to address the effects of a bad economy on mental health was for people to be their brother’s keepers and live within their means.

    “If the government is not helping us, we can help ourselves.

    “Let us reduce our extravagant lifestyle, like buying expensive asoebi, and exotic cars. Such money can be used to create organisations that will employ and empower people.

    Read Also: Can Nigerians afford new hike in calls, data charges?

    “I am not saying we should not socialise but wisdom is profitable to direct. So what we followers are doing is also outrageous, there is what you call calculated risk that will lead to negative outcomes.

    “For example, do not say because my friend put his kids in a private university, I must do the same. That would be a misplaced priority, cut your cloth according to your size.

    “As families and individuals, let us help ourselves not waiting for what the government will do for you. The government cannot do everything for you. Learn a skill so you can stand on your own.

    Ajiboye urged the government to have conscience and do the needful, knowing there would be a payday and whatever you sow you would reap.

    “Both leaders and followers can help our economy become good. You may never have poor mental health if you can manage yourself and live within your means.’’ (NAN)

  • UK-based aesthetic nurse offers to train Nigerians, advises FG on regulations

    UK-based aesthetic nurse offers to train Nigerians, advises FG on regulations

    A United Kingdom based Aesthetic Nurse, Esther Emenike-Okorie has expressed her readiness to train Nigerians on Aesthetics.

    Emenike-Okorie, who made this known in a statement to newsmen, said interested participants would be trained on weight loss, skin care and so many other areas of aesthetics.

    Emenike-Okorie said this was borne out of her zealousness to see young girls in business, citing the instance of her 17-year-old son starting a business with only £150.

    READ ALSO; How Tinubu is fighting insecurity, by Gbajabiamila 

    She said the participants would be given aesthetic kits in different chosen areas, calling for enrollment to make the project realistic.

    She also offered to help the government maintain clinical standards within the aesthetics industry, stating that there is no regulation.

    According to her: “So, I want to be able to get into the Nigerian space and partner with government, corporate organisations, individuals to be able to give back by training nurses and individuals who want to go into aesthetics in a way that is going to be affordable and be able to provide start-up aesthetics kits for people within the area that they want.

    “For instance, I can train them on weight loss, skin care, etc.

    “To be very honest, I have always thought about doing something in Nigeria. For me, it is about empowering people. I love women in business because I am an entrepreneur. I love seeing young girls in business. My son started his business when he was only 17 and started with only £150.

    “I also want to help the government maintain clinical standards when it comes to aesthetics industry, so that people can be safeguarded because there is no regulation in Nigeria regarding this industry.

    “We want a body that can regulate the kind of things that people do so that the public do not have quacks treating them.”

  • Nigerians expect magic from ill-motivated police force, says IGP

    Nigerians expect magic from ill-motivated police force, says IGP

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, November 21, said that he inherited a police force that was virtually abandoned and suffered neglect over the years with ill-motivated personnel.

    The IGP, who spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives while participating in the sectoral debate, said despite the lack of motivation and operational facilities, Nigerians will not accept any excuse for failure but expect adequate performance from them.

    He said police personnel were operating in a very difficult environment as a result of the neglect they have suffered over the years, especially in the area of inadequate manpower and operational facilities.

    He said the police has almost 6000 divisional police headquarters across the country with each requiring a minimum of four operational vehicles, adding that while some have operational vehicles, many of such stations cannot boost a single operational vehicle.

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    He said while the United Nations’ recommendation is for one police to about 40 persons, the Nigerian police can only boost 1000 people to one policeman which is grossly inadequate, adding that the criminals in the country are aware of the handicap of the police force.

    He said: “Unfortunately, the citizens are not interested in any excuse for lack of performance by the police. They want us to perform and protect them and we are ready to do that. But we need your support.

    We need a well-motivated, well-educated, trained, and inspired workforce. In spite of the challenges we have, we are doing our best. But, there is no adequate funding because no agency can perform above available resources.

    He said the police have made several arrests, while some of those arrested are being prosecuted, but was quick to add that arrest alone cannot end acts of criminalities.

    He said: “No amount of arrest will stop criminalities. You arrest 100 today, and by tomorrow, 200 are emerging. What we need is interagency collaboration.”

    Details shortly…

  • Pyrates restates commitment to help vulnerable Nigerians

    Pyrates restates commitment to help vulnerable Nigerians

    The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity has restated its commitment to help vulnerable Nigerians in search of quality healthcare delivery through its NAS Medical Mission.

    The NAS Capoon, Mr Abiola Owoaje made this call while flagging off a medical outreach at Ikota Primary Healthcare Centre, Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State.

    Owoaje who also presented drugs donated by the organisation to the management of the healthcare centre said NAS/PC as a humanitarian organisation places premium on the people in its activities.

    According to him, the rationale behind the various medical missions which targets vulnerable Nigerians is to complement government efforts in healthcare delivery.

    ‘’The organisation has been brought up as a humanitarian organisation regardless of whatever is going on. We always ensure that we put the people first in what we do. We always believe in the mantra that not for us but for the people. As far as we are concerned, we are here to help the underprivileged people who cannot afford the luxury of flying abroad for medical care.

    ‘’ What we are doing today is a Medical Mission where we render medical assistance to members of a community. We always do this in recognition of the fact that the government cannot provide all the services to the people. We have also donated some drugs to the health centre today.

    Also speaking Mr Uchenna Nnoli, NAS Second Mate who traced the history of the NAS medical mission to 2010 said the organisation identifies vulnerable communities around Nigeria and mobilises its healthcare professionals to offer free services.

    ‘’ This has been going on for 13 years starting from 2010. We have been identifying vulnerable communities outside Nigeria where there is a health care gap and we try to bring our medical professionals to support the community’’, he said.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr Azeez Bolami aged 75 years commended NAS/ PC for the medical mission which he said was timely for the people of the area.

    According to him, economic conditions have made it extremely difficult for people to seek treatment at the hospitals.

    “Let me commend members of the association for this humanitarian service. It would go a long way to help our people who are largely poor and cannot afford to seek treatment in the hospitals. I urge other organizations to emulate NAS and also offer a hand to help the government in tackling health challenges affecting the people.’’

  • How FG will remove 50m Nigerians from poverty, by Edu

    How FG will remove 50m Nigerians from poverty, by Edu

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has outlined the details of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s plans to pull 50 million Nigerians out of extreme poverty.

    Edu spoke to journalists on Day 2 of the 2023 Cabinet Retreat organized for ministers, presidential aides, permanent secretaries, and other top government functionaries at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    She said her ministry is already on the right path towards improving things in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    She said that her ministry is collaborating with the Ministries of Finance, Health, Education, and Agriculture, amongst others, to see that the administration can pull Nigerians out of the prevailing multi-dimensional poverty in the country.

    According to the minister, the ongoing payment of N25,000 to poor households in Nigeria via the conditional cash transfer programme for the next three months, amounting to N75,000, was part of it.

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    She explained that although the programme is for an immediate cushioning of the economic shock that these households are experiencing as a result of fuel subsidy removal, it will contribute to lifting 61 million households from poverty.

    She added that the process is being carried out rigorously to ensure that the right people get the money, adding that the government is identifying the beneficiaries, verifying their identities through their NINs and BVNs, and ensuring that they are paid.

    Asked about the specifics that will ensure 50 million Nigerians are removed from poverty, Edu said: “So we have a couple of things that have been listed out. First and foremost, as you know, there is an ongoing payment of N25,000 to poor households in Nigeria, and this is going to happen for three months, amounting to N75,000.

    “Now, this is an immediate cushioning of the economic shock that these households are experiencing. However, we’re taking our time going through the rigorous process. The reason is simple; we want to be sure that the right people get the money, we identify them, they have their NINs, they have their BVNs and they paid. We don’t want to rush into paying people and then you realise that they don’t even exist.

    “That’s why we went through the process of verification, and payments have started. Different states across the country can attest to this and individual poor households as well. This we will make public so it’s not even secret. Public so that Nigerians can hold us accountable.

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    “This is 15 million households, which automatically amounts to about 61 million persons. Beyond this, the President is going to be creating jobs for millions of Nigerians through different methods. We’re providing zero-interest loans for markets, petty traders, market women, amongst other people. ⁣⁣

    “We’re also supporting poor farmers. We’re bringing on board the End Hunger Project, we’re equally bringing on board the Good Nigeria Project, and several other projects and each of these projects has the targeted amount of persons whom we want to reach through our social safety net projects. ⁣

    “We have the people who want to reach and an addition of all of these people together will give us a way over 50 million persons that will be directly reached by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    Speaking on the impact of the retreat, Edu stated: “It has been very informative, especially as it concerns administration, governance, leadership, and actually managing the affairs of government at this level. For many persons, this has been very useful in setting the agenda for government.

    “The President spoke very expressly yesterday (Wednesday) and he said, we’re all going to sign the bond to deliver on our targets. He is bringing the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is to reach out to millions of Nigerians create jobs, give food security, eradicate poverty, of course, ensure that we have good governance, fight corruption, and ensure the rule of law comes into play, amongst other things.

    “What’s most important is to see that all these foot soldiers are set to work. For us in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and poverty alleviation, we are actually given a huge task, and that task is to go all out and ensure that we meet the deliverables and mandates of the government.

    “We’ve spelled out our deliverables clearly. And we’re signing on to the bond. And the entire team of the ministry and its agencies, which it supervises would be on the road to ensure that we deliver and achieve success. It’s not going to be an easy task. Mr President is an A-class president who has a very high charge of what he wants to achieve for Nigerians. Hopes are high. And he will not fail. We will not fail. Nigeria as a country will not fail.

    “We’re already on the right trajectory to improving things. We ask for a little patience from Nigerians, cooperation, and an understanding of government and government policies. We would be sincere, we would be accountable, we would be out there to push and see that the Renewed Hope Agenda becomes a reality.”

  • Soaring food prices squeeze Nigerians

    Soaring food prices squeeze Nigerians

    Soaring costs of food staples are putting people’s resilience at a breaking point, The Nation has  learnt.

    A shoe designer, Abraham William, indicated that many Nigerians have to tighten their belts following the surging prices of beans, garri and rice, which are central to people’s meals.

    He explained that Nigerians spend much more time switching stores to find the best bargains whether for meat, vegetables and grains, adding that people have been impacted by rising inflation and cost of living, which, in turn, influences what they eat with the declining purchasing power.

    As inflation surges, William explained that every trip to the market is a pain in the pocketbook as the staples prices have shot up at the fastest rate in decades, with some food stuff out of reach for many Nigerians.

    For instance, the price of a grate of eggs which sold for N2,200 as at May is selling at N3,000. 

    At every market, there have been large price increases for staples.

    The prices of staples such as pasta, tea and chips have surged. The price of a carton of spaghetti is N9,000, which  recently sold at N8,400.

    The price of a bag of flour has gone up to N34,500 from about N32,000.

    William said poorer families were bearing the brunt of the cost of living.

    Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Dr Olubunmi Alawode described the situation as worsening, adding that it has had a dire impact on many households, especially  poor families.

    According to her, the economic cost of the situation is immense, and called for bold policies to address price inflation, before it  causes long-term and irreversible damage.

    Read Also: Illegal fishing threatening prospects of blue economy

    Across the market, there have been record increases in prices of oil and fat, bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, fish, fruit, meat, vegetables and milk, cheese, and eggs. But consumers and traders in Lagos State have bemoaned the recent increase in the price of the produce in the state

    Last week, the price of a 50- kilogramme bag of local parboiled rice, which sold for N50,000 on the back of the floods in many states is  selling for N58,000 to N60,000.

    A food stuff seller, Mike Ugwu said the situation is discouraging for those of them in the retail business.  His words: “People are not ready to buy foodstuff. The price of rice increases every day. You tell somebody a price today, the next day the price will increase.”

    He emphasised that dealing in local rice isn’t lucrative because customers largely shun it.

    A shoe designer, Obiakpon Johnbull, described the situation as disheartening. “It has not been easy. A half bag of rice, which I bought for N15,000, is selling for N23,000. A full bag goes for between N58,000 and N60,000.”

    As at January, a 50kg bag of local parboiled rice sells for an average of N35,000.  It was N45,000 per bag last month. The rice has recorded over 500 per cent increase fromN8,500 per 50 kilogramme bag in 2015.

    In June this year, the price of rice in Lagos was N32,000.

    By July, local rice was  N37,000 per bag in the Federal Capital Territory,  while imported rice was sold at N48,000.

    A foodstuff seller, Onyeka Abia, attributed the price hike to an increase in transport costs after the removal of the fuel subsidy on May 29. He pointed out that the expense of transporting rice had increased.

     It’s worth recalling that the previous administration’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme invested a substantial N1.09 trillion, with a significant portion dedicated to rice cultivation. This initiative generated considerable optimism during the rice pyramid exhibition in Abuja in January 2022.However, post-event, despite claims of a yearly production of 9 million metric tonnes, rice prices have persistently surged.