Minna residents block roads to protest as “Tinubu hardship” bites harder.
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Residents on Monday morning blocked main roads in Minna to protest the high cost of living, particularly of food and other household items which now increase in price at times twice a day in Niger and other states across the country.
The prices of all goods and services have skyrocketed since Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidy at his inauguration as President on 29 May 2023 – and the situation has been getting worse rather than abate.
Tinubu is yet to reduce the overall cost of governance which critics say is too high and one of the reasons why there is little money left to invest in social infrastructure that would help reduce the living expenses of tax payers.
Ravaging terrorists also contribute to high food inflation by preventing farmers in Nigeria’s food basket in the North Central from planting or harvesting crops, thereby creating the twin menace of insecurity and food shortage.
Women and youths were among the demonstrators in Minna who shouted protest songs as police officers and other security personnel stood by.
The protesters said the increase in food prices and the inadequate response from the government compelled them to block main roads to draw the attention of the authorities.
Niger Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba addressed the protesters, saying the administration understands the suffering and difficulties that families are going through at the moment.
He explained the government is working towards lowering the cost of living and reducing the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
This is breaking news. Details later…
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