“The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed, to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President” – Senator Ndume

Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume has expressed concern about the rising cost of living and food scarcity in Nigeria. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ndume criticized the federal government’s inability to address these issues and noted that some ministers cannot even meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss these matters.

Ndume and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi recently sponsored a motion to highlight the food crisis, citing the World Food Programme’s warning that 82 million Nigerians could face food insecurity in the next five years. Ndume stressed that if the government does not take urgent action, the country could face famine and starvation, particularly among children.

He mentioned the severe malnutrition already observed in Katsina State and drew parallels to the hunger crises in Niger Republic and South Sudan. Ndume called on the government to collaborate with experts and stakeholders to find solutions to the problem, expressing disappointment that no concrete steps have been taken despite government promises.

Ndume warned that without immediate intervention, Nigeria could reach a point where food is unavailable even for those who can afford it.

He said; “The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed, to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly, who do not have the opportunity to meet with him and discuss the issues affecting their constituencies

“We want to draw the government’s attention to the fact that Nigeria is not only facing a high cost of living but also food scarcity. We want the President to intervene in the issue of high cost of living and food scarcity”

“We have seen how it happened in Niger Republic and South Sudan, where children are dying due to hunger, and we are starting to see it in Nigeria, Senator Ndume

“What we want the government to do is to sit with experts and other stakeholders to find a solution to the problem. We are urging the government to take action, lest they forget that Nigeria is grappling with both soaring prices and a severe food shortage. We fear that a day may come when even if someone has the financial means to purchase food, they will go to the market and find none available.