There’ll be mass protest if food prices keep rising – Ahmad Lawan

Ahmad Lawan, a former President of the Senate, has warned that there could be mass protests if the three branches of government do not collaborate to lower food prices and high electricity tariffs.

Lawan was speaking during a debate on a motion introduced by Sunday Karimi, the senator representing Kogi West, addressing the issue of “food insecurity.”

The former Senate President emphasized that Nigerians should not be underestimated amid increasing economic difficulties.

“If we do not take urgent action on the rising food prices and electricity tariffs, we will not like the reactions we will see on the streets,” Lawan stated. “We cannot take the people for granted for too long.”

Senator Karimi highlighted that the cost of staple foods has surged by over 300% since the removal of the petrol subsidy.

“Insecurity in food-producing regions, poor road conditions, increased transportation costs due to the fuel subsidy removal, and the depreciation of the naira have all contributed to the rising prices of food items and household commodities,” Karimi explained. “However, a significant portion of this price increase is also driven by merchants, traders, and retailers seeking excessive profits.”

The Senate called on relevant government ministries and agencies to address the issue. The motion was adopted after a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.