Thelma Osatohanmwen
Following weeks of unrest in various parts of the country over economic challenges, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, witnessed similar protests on Monday morning.
Residents of the city, gathered in the Mokola area, expressed their frustration over the high cost of living, food inflation, and general hardship plaguing the nation.
Brandishing placards with messages such as “The poor are starving” and “Tinubu, don’t forget your promises,” the protesters voiced their grievances against the prevailing economic conditions.
Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration, police officers were present to ensure that law and order were maintained and to prevent any potential breach of peace.
One of the major concerns raised by the protesters is the skyrocketing prices of cooking gas, which has forced many Nigerians to resort to alternative cooking methods such as charcoal and firewood.
Reports indicate that the cost of filling a 12.5-kilogram cylinder of cooking gas now exceeds N18,000 in some parts of the country, significantly impacting household budgets and small businesses.
Despite assurances from government officials, including the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, who constituted a committee to address the issue, the price of cooking gas continues to rise unabated.
This has led to widespread discontent among the populace, with many struggling to afford basic necessities.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has also raised concerns about the potential for social unrest in Nigeria and other African countries due to rising fuel and commodity prices.
The bank warned that currency depreciation and subsidy removal could exacerbate internal conflicts and trigger protests against government policies.
In response to the growing discontent, President Bola Tinubu urged governors and security agencies to tackle the economic challenges facing the country.
While ruling out price controls and food importation, the President emphasized the need to support local farmers and implement sustainable agricultural initiatives to address food shortages and reduce dependency on imports.
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