The leading opposition parties in Nigeria have called upon the Federal Government to deliver on its pledge to release 102,000 metric tons of assorted grains as a short-term solution to the country’s escalating food crisis.
In interviews conducted separately, both the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership emphasized the urgent need for the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to honor its promises, highlighting a history of unfulfilled commitments.
Last Thursday, the Federal Government announced plans to release 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet, garri, and other staples from the National Strategic Grain Reserve. Additionally, an agreement was reached with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria to release 60,000 metric tons of rice in response to widespread protests over soaring food prices and the high cost of living.
Yunusa Tanko, spokesman for the Labour Party Campaign Organization, expressed skepticism regarding the government’s assurances, citing previous instances of unmet pledges. Tanko lamented the administration’s failure to fulfill promises such as the disbursement of N25,000 to Nigerians and the distribution of palliatives, which often end up in private hands.
Abdullahi Ibrahim, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, echoed Tanko’s concerns, emphasizing the gravity of hunger pervading Nigerian households. He stressed the imperative for sincerity in addressing the food crisis and cautioned against empty pronouncements without tangible action.
Ibrahim underscored the interconnectedness between hunger and rising crime rates, urging the government to prioritize addressing the root causes of insecurity exacerbated by widespread deprivation.
As Nigeria grapples with deepening economic challenges and a growing sense of despair among its citizens, the opposition’s call for concrete action underscores the urgency of addressing the country’s pressing humanitarian needs and restoring hope to its populace.
