Senator Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, has expressed concern over the rising cost of living and food scarcity in Nigeria.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, he criticized the federal government’s inability to address these issues, citing the difficulty even ministers face in meeting with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the matter.
Ndume and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi sponsored a motion to address the food crisis, noting that the World Food Programme warns 82 million Nigerians may face food insecurity in the next five years.
He urged the government to take immediate action, including meeting with experts and stakeholders, to address the issue, lest the situation lead to famine and starvation, especially among children.
He cited examples of malnutrition in Katsina State and the dire situation in Niger Republic and South Sudan, where children are dying due to hunger.
Ndume expressed disappointment in the government’s inaction, despite promises to address the issue, and warned that if left unaddressed, the situation may lead to a complete food shortage, even for those with the financial means to purchase food.
