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Soaring Inflation: Experts Seek Policies To Mitigate Impact On Citizens
Some experts have reiterated the need for government at all levels to take effective measures to cushion the impacts of high inflation on citizens.
They spoke in an interview with The Tide’s correspondent, yesterday in Abuja.
The experts urged the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to focus mainly on policies to mitigate inflation’s impact on food prices.
They acknowledged some of the challenges that may arise, such as the need to balance short-term relief with long-term sustainability.
According to Mr Gabriel Jato, an Agricultural Economist, the proposed solutions can be temporary price controls, targeted subsidies, agricultural support, and expanded social protection programmes.
Jato said: “these measures aim to prevent exploitative pricing, ensure food access for vulnerable populations, and stabilise prices through agricultural investment.
“It will also provide financial assistance to those most affected by rising food costs.”
Dr Funmi Adeleke, a food nutritionist in Abuja, emphasised the need for people to access basic nutritious foods.
According to Adeleke, nutrition education is crucial for all, but it becomes ineffective if people cannot afford nutritious foods.
“ As Nigeria navigates inflation and rising food prices, decisive government action is essential to protect citizens’ well-being.”
Mr Yusuf Ibrahim, a civil society activist, urged government action to prioritise food security in the country.
He urged the Federal Government to implement policies that benefit ordinary and average Nigerians.
“Through targeted policies and interventions, the government can alleviate the burden on the average Nigerian and ensure a more secure future for all,” he said.
Mr Terfa Atule, a small-scale farmer, highlighted some of the challenges being faced by farmers, which, according to him, are contributors to rising food prices.
“The rising cost of inputs like fertilisers and pesticides has made farming less profitable.
“The cost of transporting food products after being produced on farms to the market and end users has skyrocketed.
“Also, the issue of insecurity has made many farmers unable to go to their farms to produce.
“I pray the relevant authorities will act on these issues for the good of all Nigerians,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mrs Agnes Bello, a mother of three, expressed her struggle to provide nutritious meals for her family, saying, “the cost of food has become unbearable.”
Bello urged the government to address the plight of citizens and propose lasting solutions to the issues of rising food prices and transportation.
The Tide’s source reports that the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, triggered a surge in inflation rates in Nigeria, leading to high food prices and economic strain.
A year later, the impact is profound, with living costs rising steeply and essential items becoming unaffordable.
In March 2024, the headline inflation rate released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) hit 33.20 per cent, up from February’s 31.70 per cent, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.