***advocating for a brighter future for all Nigerians
Senator Sunday Karimi, along with his colleagues in the Senate, sparks conversation and action on addressing the rising food insecurity and market exploitation in Nigeria.
Senator Sunday Karimi, the distinguished Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, took center stage at today’s plenary session in the Nigerian Senate as he presented a compelling motion titled “Motion of Urgent Need to Tackle Food Insecurity and Address Market Exploitation of Consumables in Nigeria.”
The motion, co-sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume and supported by Senator Ahmed Wadada, and former Senate President Senator Ahmed Lawan, sheds light on the alarming increase in the prices of essential goods and consumables, causing a ripple effect of inflation, decreased purchasing power, and deteriorating living conditions for many Nigerians.
Highlighting the staggering 40.66 percent year-on-year food inflation rate reported by Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, Senator Karimi expressed deep concern over the unjustifiable price hikes of staple food items like beans, maize, rice paddy, yam, tomatoes, and onions, ranging from 100% to 300%. Despite attributing some of the price increases to factors such as insecurity in food-producing regions and fuel subsidy removal, the motion exposes the exploitative practices of merchants and traders seeking excessive profits at the expense of consumers.
The motion underlines the urgent need for the Nigerian government to implement concrete measures to combat food insecurity, address market exploitation, and regulate the prices of essential commodities. Senator Karimi proposes strategic programs on unity, contentment, and integrity, along with the involvement of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council to oversee fair pricing practices in the market.
Moreover, the motion calls for immediate action by the Federal Executive and National Security Council to tackle food insecurity, farmer-herder conflicts, and other forms of instability affecting food sufficiency in the country. It also emphasizes the necessity for collaborative efforts between the government and relevant ministries to align fiscal and monetary policies to address the economic challenges facing Nigeria.
In a display of proactive leadership, Senator Sunday Karimi’s motion serves as a rallying point for legislators to tackle the pressing issues of food insecurity and market exploitation, signaling a collective commitment to improving the quality of life for all Nigerians. The call to action resonates with the imperative to prioritize the welfare of citizens and foster a more equitable and sustainable economy for the nation.
