Protests Erupt in Ibadan Over Soaring Food Prices and Economic Hardships
Nigerians in Ibadan took to the streets on Monday in protest against the high cost of living under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The protesters chanted slogans like ‘Tinubu is a thief!’ and ‘renewed shege!’ as they marched through the streets.
Carrying placards with messages such as ‘End food price hike’ and ‘This is not Hope Renewed. This is shege renewed,’ the protesters voiced their frustrations with the current economic situation.
This protest is just the latest in a series of demonstrations against rising food prices and economic hardships in the country. Similar protests have been held in Niger, Kano, Osun, and Lagos, Mr. Tinubu’s home state, in recent weeks.
Inflation has been a major issue in Nigeria, with prices of staple foods soaring by almost 100 per cent in the past nine months. A bag of rice, for example, which used to sell for N35,000, now sells for N65,000. Similarly, a bag of yellow garri has jumped from N25,000 to N40,000, and a bag of corn has increased from N19,000 to N60,000.
Traders in Mararaba Market, Nasarawa, have expressed concern over the rising cost of food items, noting that many people can no longer afford to buy as much as they used to. One trader, Urah Chidiebere, lamented that her sales have been affected, as people now buy less due to the high prices.
Another trader, Bartholomew Ugwujah, expressed alarm over the spike in food prices, especially for poor Nigerians who may struggle to afford basic necessities. He noted that the increase in prices has forced him to reduce the amount of stock he keeps in his shop.
The economic hardships in Nigeria have been exacerbated by President Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy and float the naira, which has led to a sharp increase in petrol prices and a depreciation of the naira against the dollar.
Despite the challenges, President Tinubu has urged Nigerians to show understanding, assuring them that his administration is working to deliver economic prosperity for the country.
Peoples Gazette
