The Business NG - October 02, 2024

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Nigeria's 64th Independence Day is a bittersweet celebration as the country faces its worst economic crisis in generations ¹. The government's recent policies have led to a rise in the cost of living, food prices, and fuel prices, pushing many citizens into poverty ². The situation is critical, with 4.8 million people struggling to access food, and the most vulnerable groups include children, pregnant women, older persons, and people living with disabilities.

Despite the challenges, some Nigerians are finding ways to cope with the rising food prices. Many citizens are frustrated over the worsening economic situation, rise in cost of living which has significantly impacted their living condition and purchasing power in the last one year ². Some are growing their own food, like Mrs. Chioma Ndubisi, a civil servant who has started growing her own tomatoes and peppers in her backyard ². Others are buying lower quality food or eating fewer meals ².

The government has launched an urgent appeal for $306 million to provide essential assistance to those in dire need ². However, many citizens are unhappy with the government's policies and are planning to protest ². The President's reforms have brought untold hardship and further impoverished them; they are fed up with the hardship in the land, and want a reversal of his reforms and immediate return of petrol subsidy to ease their suffering ².

As Nigeria marks its Independence Day, many citizens are reflecting on the country's progress and the challenges that lie ahead ². "We have come a long way since independence, but we still have a long way to go," said Mr. Nnamani Ogbonna, a businessman ². "We need to work together to address the issues of food security and inflation, so that every Nigerian can have access to nutritious food and a decent standard of living."