Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that the President has dismantled the nation’s economic foundations within his two-year tenure. In a recent interview on Arise News, Ameh expressed concern over the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies, labeling the decision as insensitive and lacking foresight. He emphasized that such a significant policy shift should have been accompanied by a comprehensive plan to mitigate its impact on the populace. “The removal of the fuel subsidy without a clear policy direction has led to unprecedented hardship,” Ameh stated. He highlighted the surge in fuel prices from N197 to approximately N1,000 per liter, attributing this spike to the government’s hasty actions. Ameh also questioned the ruling party’s awareness of the citizens’ struggles, suggesting that they might be disconnected from the realities on the ground. He pointed out that the liberal economic policies adopted have disproportionately affected the underprivileged, leading to increased transportation costs and inflation. Furthermore, Ameh criticized the administration’s failure to implement its promises, such as cultivating 500,000 hectares of land to boost agriculture. He argued that the lack of a structured approach to policy implementation has exacerbated the nation’s economic woes. In conclusion, Ameh called for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to governance, urging the administration to consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians in its policy decisions.
Explore the heartbreaking stories of women scavenging for food in Lagos markets, driven by poverty and desperation. Learn about the causes, risks, and possible solutions to this growing crisis. The Harsh Reality of Women Scavenging for Survival In the bustling markets of Lagos, a disheartening scene has become a grim reality. Married women and mothers, who once thrived as self-sufficient caregivers, now find themselves combing through piles of discarded waste to provide for their families. Their once gentle hands, which nurtured their children and tended to their homes, now sift through decaying produce and filth, driven by the desperate need to put food on their tables. Causes of the Downward Spiral The plight of these women can be traced to several devastating factors: Misjudged by Society At first glance, these women could be mistaken for people scavenging out of mental instability. However, their grim reality reveals a different story—they are mothers fighting for survival. They search through heaps of waste, salvaging spoiled produce like vegetables and fruits to prepare meals for their starving families. Under the cover of darkness, their mission begins: to collect edible scraps from the cast-off produce left behind by market vendors. Despite the stench of decay, their resolve is fueled by the thought of their children going to bed hungry. Scavenging in Silence In markets such as Jakande Gate, Oke-Afa, Isolo, and Igando, these women scavenge discreetly. Their scarves conceal their faces as they sift through garbage bags in search of perished peppers, spoilt yams, and other items that can be salvaged. Even late into the night, they move like shadows, their bags heavy with discarded produce that society no longer values. Once home, they turn these scraps into meals for their families. Ingenuity Amid Adversity In places like the Oke-Afa market, some women have transformed their scavenging into small businesses. They collect rotten plantains and convert them into crispy, peppered snacks, which they sell to commuters stuck in traffic. This ingenuity, however, doesn’t erase the heartbreaking reality of their daily struggles. Homeless and Hopeless For many of these women, scavenging is not the only hardship. Homelessness looms large. They often seek refuge in makeshift shelters fashioned from waste bins, locally known as “bollers.” These shelters, located near refuse dumps, offer little protection but are their only option. Begging as a Last Resort During the day, some women resort to begging at crowded bus stops like Ladipo and PWD. With babies strapped to their backs, they plead for alms before heading to markets like Arena and Mile 12 to scavenge for food. Others arrive at these markets early in the morning, vying with other scavengers for discarded produce, such as tomatoes, peppers, and yams. Competition is fierce, and options are dwindling as sellers find new ways to profit from items they once discarded. Personal Stories of Struggle Linda, a mother of three, shares her heart-wrenching story. Her husband lost his job 18 months ago, leaving the family with no steady income. To survive, Linda joined other women in scavenging food at markets like Idi-Oro and Mushin. “I used to carry loads for people, but when the prices rose and payments didn’t increase, I couldn’t make enough to feed my children,” she said. Another woman, Matha Ogidi, recounts her struggles after her husband’s accident left him bedridden. With no stable home, her family moved between uncompleted buildings before settling in a makeshift shelter. She scavenges for expired products and discarded fish heads, her primary source of protein, though even these are now scarce. Health Risks and Expert Concerns Health experts warn of severe risks associated with scavenged foods. Children consuming such food are exposed to: Prof. Ekanem Ekure, President of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, describes this situation as a national emergency. She explains that food-borne illnesses, lead poisoning, and long-term health issues like cancer are among the potential dangers. Children’s growth and development are time-sensitive, as their early years provide a limited window for proper brain and physical development. Missing this critical period by failing to provide adequate nutrition can have lasting consequences. Iron deficiency, one of the most common global nutritional issues, highlights this problem. Without balanced nutrition, children may suffer from anemia, leaving them pale, weak, and fatigued. This deficiency also hampers brain development, leading to poor academic performance and developmental delays, with long-term effects that can last a lifetime. Moreover, food contamination poses additional risks. For instance, choking hazards in improperly monitored food can lead to life-threatening situations. Prolonged exposure to unsafe food can weaken a child’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections, which further exacerbate malnutrition. Psychological and social consequences are equally severe. Children who scavenge for food from trash bins often face shame, stigma, and mental stress, resulting in long-term trauma and social isolation. Witnessing such conditions can damage their self-esteem and sense of worth, creating mental scars that persist into adulthood. These children may struggle with social interactions and develop feelings of inferiority, perpetuating a cycle of psychological and social challenges. Experts stress the urgent need to address child nutrition and food insecurity. Governments must treat these issues as emergencies, implementing immediate measures to combat hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious food. Communities can also play a role by organizing relief efforts to support families in need. Dr. Obinna Ogbonna of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital links this crisis to economic hardship, noting that families forced to scavenge for food are at risk of severe malnutrition and related health complications, such as cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis, and even some cancers. Malnutrition compromises the immune system, leaving individuals more susceptible to infections, which, in turn, worsen malnutrition. This vicious cycle increases morbidity and mortality rates. Ogbonna emphasized the need for corporate social responsibility, suggesting initiatives like creating employment opportunities, stabilizing food prices, and supporting farmers to improve food security. He also advocated for government interventions, such as opening food silos and implementing price controls on staple foods. Sociologists, including Professors Bisi Ajala and Samuel Oluranti, highlighted the social
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Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has expressed concerns over the absence of credible individuals within President Bola Tinubu’s administration to effectively communicate its economic policies. At the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi held in Lagos on Wednesday, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria stated that the government lacks reliable figures who can adequately explain its actions to the public. “I don’t want to help this government. They’re my friends, but if they don’t act like friends, I won’t act like one either. They don’t have credible people who can step up and explain what they’re doing. I refuse to assist them,” Sanusi remarked. He further stated that while he could offer insights into the current economic crisis in Nigeria, including whether it was predictable or avoidable, he had chosen to refrain from commenting on the nation’s economic situation. “I’ve decided not to speak about the economy,” he concluded. Sanusi’s remarks came in the wake of his ongoing critique of the challenging economic conditions under President Tinubu’s leadership in 2024. He emphasized that the nation is grappling with severe hardships, with ordinary Nigerians struggling to cope with soaring food prices. “People are in a dire situation,” he lamented, adding that many are now forced to buy just half a pepper due to the high cost of food. “This is unbearable.” Since President Tinubu’s controversial removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate, the nation has witnessed dramatic price hikes. Fuel prices have soared to N1,000 per liter, and the naira now trades at over N1,500 to the US dollar. Inflation has exceeded 34%, further exacerbating the financial strain on the population. These developments sparked a 10-day protest in August 2024, as Nigerians voiced their frustration. Despite the ongoing economic struggles, President Tinubu has defended his policies, claiming that the hardships faced by citizens are necessary sacrifices for a better future. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Discover how Nigeria’s economic downturn impacts physical and mental health, strains families, and raises healthcare costs. Explore solutions to combat this crisis. Economic Hardship: A Blow to Physical and Mental Well-being Nigeria’s ongoing economic crisis has severely impacted the physical and mental health of millions. Rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty are fueling a vicious cycle of poor health, making basic necessities such as food, transportation, and healthcare unaffordable for many. How Economic Pressure Impacts Health The inability to access nutritious food and essential healthcare has led to malnutrition, weakened immune systems, and chronic diseases. For instance: These expenses often force Nigerians to delay or avoid medical care, opting for risky alternatives like self-medication and traditional remedies. The Mental Health Crisis Socioeconomic challenges have worsened mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Experts emphasize the need for systemic mental health support, awareness campaigns, and affordable care. Rising healthcare costs and stigma around mental illnesses further hinder access to treatment, deepening the crisis. The Burden on Families Economic strain has disrupted family relationships, with increased household conflicts, domestic violence, and rising suicide attempts. Many Nigerians feel trapped in a cycle of financial struggle, leading to hopelessness and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Multidimensional Poverty and Malnutrition According to UNICEF, 15% of Nigeria’s GDP is lost annually to malnutrition. In 2023, 29% of children under five were underweight, with 45% of child deaths linked to malnutrition. Women and children are among the most affected, as economic constraints limit access to essential nutrition and healthcare. Healthcare System Under Siege The “Japa” syndrome, or brain drain, has depleted Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, leaving hospitals understaffed. This shortage, combined with rising medical costs, makes accessing quality care nearly impossible for many. Urgent Need for Interventions Experts call for systemic changes to mitigate the crisis: Building Resilience While Nigerians are known for their resilience, the need for sustainable solutions cannot be overstated. Addressing economic hardship’s impact on health requires collective effort, from government policies to community support initiatives. Conclusion Nigeria’s economic hardship has created a public health crisis, with rising healthcare costs, malnutrition, and mental health challenges pushing millions further into poverty. Prioritizing affordable healthcare, mental health education, and social welfare programs is essential to break this cycle and improve the nation’s overall well-being. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently used an academic forum to redefine the life many Nigerians had been living prior to his tenure. Speaking at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) convocation in Ondo State, Tinubu described the so-called “good life” as “fake,” one that could have led to Nigeria’s collapse without urgent reforms. However, his remarks sparked questions: Was there truly a life of luxury in Nigeria before his administration? In his speech, Tinubu shifted the blame for Nigeria’s economic struggles onto its citizens, absolving the government—led by his party, the APC, for over eight years—of responsibility. While he alluded to petrol subsidies and currency “subsidies,” there was no clear explanation of what constituted this supposed luxury. This raises the question: was the average Nigerian truly living extravagantly, or merely surviving? In 2015, when the APC came into power, the minimum wage was ₦18,000 (equivalent to $91.4 at the time). By 2023, though the wage had risen to ₦30,000, its dollar value had dropped to $66 due to currency devaluation. Comparatively, other African countries offered much higher minimum wages. For instance, Gabon paid ₦376,000, Ghana ₦60,000, and even Liberia, often labeled a poor country, paid $91. Tinubu’s administration later increased Nigeria’s minimum wage to ₦70,000, but its actual value was just $44—barely enough to buy basic necessities. Despite incremental wage increases, many Nigerian workers struggled with inflation and the rising cost of living. Even employers found it challenging to match these wage adjustments due to high production costs. By mid-2023, only 21 of Nigeria’s 36 states had agreed to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, highlighting the disparity between policy and practicality. Unlike countries like Vietnam, where wages are reviewed annually to match inflation rates, Nigeria lacks a framework to cushion workers against economic pressures. Historically, wage adjustments have been the result of labor unions pressuring the government, rather than strategic planning to support citizens during inflationary periods. Tinubu’s assertion that Nigeria’s current economic woes stem from fuel and dollar subsidies simplifies a more complex reality. He overlooked key historical milestones, such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s negotiation of debt relief with the Paris Club in 2004. By clearing significant debts, Obasanjo freed Nigeria from its debt trap. However, under the APC-led administration, the country’s debt burden skyrocketed. From 2015 to 2023, domestic debt rose from ₦8.84 trillion to ₦44.91 trillion, while external debt ballooned from $7.35 billion to $37.2 billion. Rather than addressing these systemic issues, Tinubu’s narrative suggests that ordinary Nigerians lived beyond their means, which contradicts the lived reality of most citizens. The suggestion that Nigerians enjoyed “undeserved luxury” ignores the widespread poverty and economic hardships they endured even before his administration. This narrative deflects attention from the APC’s economic mismanagement and shields those responsible for Nigeria’s financial struggles. Until there is accountability for the policies and actions that deepened the country’s debt and economic decline, Tinubu’s administration lacks a clear plan to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. In reality, most Nigerians never lived a life of luxury, fake or otherwise—they merely survived. The rhetoric of “fake life” dismisses their struggles and shifts the focus away from the need for genuine reforms. As things stand, the administration appears more focused on redefining hardship as the new normal than on creating a sustainable path to economic recovery and improved living standards. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Banks claim that rationing was driven by a limited cash supply and low cash deposits.As economic misery strikes, lawmakers ask the CBN to fix the cash crunch. Customers of Abia Bank in Abia State have complained about several of the state’s banks’ N5,000 cash withdrawal cap. However, one bank’s customers were permitted to take out up to N10,000. Customers of one of the banks may withdraw up to N10,000, but they could also receive up to N40,000.An old-generation bank’s Market branch on Umuwaya Road by Okwulehie Street in Umuahia has a N5,000 withdrawal restriction, but its main branch at Good Shed permits up to N20,000. The largest withdrawal amount in the majority of ATMs N10,000 is the upper limit.Abuja— The serious economic problems that Nigerians are facing, which are exacerbated by high costs for goods and services, have been made worse by banks’ return to widespread and strict cash rationing. However, the Central Bank of Nigeria, or CBN, was urged by the House of Representatives to take immediate action to resolve the issue that has disrupted economic activity and caused great suffering for the populace. According to Vanguard’s study, most bank branches have cash withdrawal restrictions for over-the-counter and automated teller machine (ATM) transactions that range from N5,000 to N10,000. Across the nation, bank clients who spoke with the media described unpleasant encounters when taking out cash. Bank representatives ascribed the decrease in consumer cash deposits and a restricted cash supply from the Central Bank of Nigeria, or CBN. This comes despite a recent warning from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which instructed banks to make sure that clients receive their money efficiently through ATMs and over-the-counter (OTC). The CBN will also step up its supervisory responsibilities to guarantee that banks are following the directive. Furthermore, the CBN encouraged the public who are unable to obtain cash over-the-counter or through ATMs at DMBs to report such instances using the designated reporting channels and format provided in a circular signed by the CBN’s acting Director of Currency Operations, Solaja Olayemi, and its acting Director of Branch Operations, Isa-Olatinwo Aisha. pledged. Customers of several commercial banks in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, voiced their displeasure with internal bank practices that restricted over-the-counter cash withdrawals to a meagre N10,000. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that some automated teller machines (ATMs) only dispense cash between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., Monday through Wednesday. Recently, a customer who only went by Craig claimed, “My bank cannot give you more than N10,000 cash across the counter,” at one of the most well-known commercial banks on Port Harcourt/Aba road. The ATM may not always dispense cash. He claimed that a lot of individuals now use POS (point of sale) because of this frustration. operators for their cash transactions (of sale).LagosWhen I visited many banks in Lagos yesterday, they only gave out little amounts of cash, and several of the ATMs weren’t working at all. A N10,000 ATM and N10,000 over-the-counter cash withdrawal restriction were disclosedat the new generation bank in Ikotun. The withdrawal limit for other bank customers was N20,000 for in-person transactions and N20,000 for automated teller machines. The maximum amount that non-bank customers may access was N5,000. A new generation bank’s customers might withdraw up to N20,000 at the ATM and N10,000 in person. Lengthy lines at several banks’ ATMs, which indicated how difficult it was to get cash. The withdrawal limit for other bank customers was N20,000 for in-person transactions and N20,000 for automated teller machines. The maximum amount that non-bank customers may access was N5,000. A new generation bank’s customers might withdraw up to N20,000 at the ATM and N10,000 in person. On the second floor of a modern generation bank Over the counter, the bank at 511 Road paid N100,000 to its customers, while non-customers could withdraw N25,000 at a rate of N5,000 each. However, the ATM has ceased dispensing as of 12:37 p.m. Customers of a new generation bank at Mile 12 were given N40,000 over the counter, but non-customers were only given N10,000. In Ketu, Sterling Bank provided N50,000 via ATMs and N20,000 over the counter. Over-the-counter cash withdrawals were restricted to N10,000 by an older bank, although withdrawals of N1,000 or more might result in up to N50,000. Some customers in the banking hall were asked to fill out another slip with a smaller cash withdrawal request in accordance with the bank’s restriction, which is between N10,000 and N20,000, if their withdrawal slips had requested between N30,000 and N50,000. The majority of banks displayed a N10,000 cash restriction. Bank customers could take out N10,000 all at once, but non-customers might take out N5,000 twice. “I don’t have an ATM card because the ATM terminals in these banks have swallowed three of my cards this year,” bemoaned Mrs. Yetunde Usman, a bank customer. I stopped applying for cards as a result, and I now only take out cash from my bank. “You will have to pay N200 to get N5,000,” added Miss Bamgbose Adura, who also voiced her frustrations. It used to be N100. Many people have visited the banks as a result of this. However, the state of affairs at the bank is concerning. An anonymous bank employee told that: “The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN hasn’t given us any money. Therefore, we must share what little we have. Additionally, as you are aware, a large number of clients do not make deposits at this time. Rather of taking the money to the bank, they give it to operators, PoS, and Points of Sale. Bank employees explain why there is a shortage.The CBN is going through a cash constraint, thus banks don’t have cash on hand for customers, a Festac bank employee informed our correspondent. He claims that things continue to worsen and that as of yesterday, their bank was one of the local financial institutions that paid clients up to N100,000. Abuja Investigations was outlined into many Abuja bank branches paint a
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu, whom he labeled “T-Pain,” alleging that Tinubu unlawfully took the 2023 presidential election. Abubakar contends that the election was “criminally stolen” from him, asserting that the outcome does not reflect the will of the Nigerian people. This statement comes over a year after the Nigerian Supreme Court upheld Tinubu’s victory, confirming him as the legitimate winner of the 2023 presidential election.Abubakar’s response was triggered by remarks from Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson for President Tinubu, who claimed that the 2023 election results clearly demonstrated that voters had rejected Abubakar. In a post on his official X account (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Abubakar countered these claims, arguing that he did not truly lose the election. Instead, he alleged that electoral misconduct was responsible for the outcome, which he believes has led to an unjust outcome for the Nigerian electorate.“The citizens who voted in the 2023 presidential election know that I did not lose. We’re in this position because the election was criminally stolen from the Nigerian people,” Abubakar said, expressing a belief that the election was manipulated to deny him victory.Beyond election-related grievances, Abubakar extended his critique to Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of operating without a structured or coherent governance strategy. He suggested that Tinubu’s policies are superficial, coining the term “Tea-plan” to imply that the administration’s plans are weak and ineffective. According to Abubakar, such an approach has led to economic distress, which he referred to as “T-pain.”Abubakar stated, “Like many Nigerians, I believe that we’re facing these severe economic challenges because of the Tinubu administration’s hurried rise to power, which lacked any solid, well-thought-out plan.” READ ALSO: Just In: Ekiti Cheif Judge Adeyeye Dies At 64 This statement is the latest in a series of exchanges between Abubakar’s supporters and Tinubu’s administration, highlighting a growing divide over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation. Abubakar and his camp argue that Tinubu’s administration has contributed to economic hardship by failing to develop and implement effective policies to address the nation’s pressing challenges. Meanwhile, Tinubu’s supporters maintain that Abubakar lost the election fairly and claim that his criticisms are rooted in frustration over his defeat.
