Amidst growing concerns over economic hardship, a crucial emergency meeting has been convened at the Presidential Villa, drawing high-ranking officials including Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, alongside several ministers from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
The meeting, which is currently underway, has been called under the auspices of the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention and is being chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President.
Sources within the presidency have confirmed the ongoing deliberations, emphasizing the gravity of the situation prompting such urgent action.
This development comes in the wake of protests by residents of Niger State on Monday, decrying what they describe as unbearable economic hardship.
Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food insecurity last year underscores the severity of the situation, with the rising cost of food becoming increasingly burdensome for citizens.
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, has acknowledged the challenges posed by escalating food prices, reaffirming the government’s awareness and commitment to addressing the issue.
The surge in food prices, exacerbated by factors such as the removal of fuel subsidies, has placed significant strain on households across Nigeria.
The nation’s annual inflation rate, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has witnessed a steady increase, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by citizens.
The emergency meeting at the Presidential Villa underscores the government’s recognition of the pressing need to address these issues and formulate effective strategies to alleviate the burden on Nigerians.
As the meeting progresses, further details regarding the deliberations and proposed interventions are expected to emerge, shedding light on the government’s response to the prevailing economic crisis.