Former Nigerian Senate President, Ahmad Lawan has expressed concerns about the nation’s dwindling food reserves.

Amid a widespread food crisis, Lawan warns that massive protests could erupt if steps to lower food prices are not implemented immediately.

Lawan shared his views during a discussion on a motion initiated by Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West, which highlighted the urgent need to address food insecurity.

The ex-Senate President urged the government to listen and act on the growing hardships faced by Nigerians, warning against complacency.

“If we don’t take urgent actions on increased food prices and electricity tariffs, we will not like the actions we will see on the streets.

“We cannot take the people for granted for too long," Lawan stated.

He stressed the importance of not underestimating the public’s tolerance.

Senator Karimi had previously expressed concern over the soaring food prices, which have risen by over 300% following the removal of fuel subsidies.

Factors such as insecurity in agricultural areas, poor infrastructure, increased transportation costs due to the fuel subsidy removal, and the depreciation of the naira have all contributed to the rising costs of food and other essentials.

However, Karimi also pointed out that a significant portion of the price hikes is due to the desire of merchants, traders, and retailers to make excessive profits.

“Insecurity in food-producing regions, bad roads, increase in the cost of transportation attributable to the removal of fuel subsidy and depreciation of the value of the naira, are possible factors that have contributed to the increase in prices of food items, household commodities.

“The greater percentage of the increase in prices of food items and consumables is not only due to these factors but to the zest of the merchants, traders, and retailers to make supernormal profits,” he said.

Lawan also highlighted the added burden of increased electricity prices, adding to the discomfort experienced by citizens across Nigeria.

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