The Nigerian Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has recently voiced serious concerns about the escalating cost of food in Nigeria. They’re pointing fingers at a surprising source: security checkpoints. According to the NCEF, these checkpoints, meant to ensure safety, are instead becoming hotbeds of extortion, driving up food prices and worsening the hunger crisis across the nation.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key issues:
- Security checkpoints are allegedly extorting transporters: This is adding to the cost of food.
- President Tinubu’s participation in the Arab-Islamic Summit is seen as deepening religious divides.
- Fuel subsidy removal and its effect on prices is a big issue.
- Government must do more to ensure the welfare of Nigerians.
Extortion at Checkpoints: Fueling Food Price Hikes
According to the NCEF, numerous security agents have set up checkpoints on major roads across Nigeria, demanding illegal payments from those transporting food. These levies, they argue, directly increase the cost of food items in the market, making basic necessities increasingly unaffordable for the average Nigerian.
Dr. Samuel Danjuma Dani, Chairman of the NCEF, stated that these checkpoints are not only illegal but are also a major contributor to the country’s food crisis. The NCEF is urging the government to dismantle these extortion points immediately to alleviate the burden on citizens.
Religious Concerns and Political Actions
The NCEF has also criticized President Bola Tinubu’s participation in the Arab-Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia, viewing it as a misrepresentation of Nigeria’s secular status. They emphasize that Nigeria’s constitution prohibits the adoption of any state religion, and the President’s actions risk deepening existing religious divides. This adds another layer to the already complex issues of governance and national unity.
The Fuel Subsidy Debate
Nigeria’s economy is heavily reliant on oil, and any change in fuel prices can have significant repercussions across all sectors. While the NCEF acknowledges that corruption within the fuel subsidy regime needs to be addressed, they argue that the sudden removal of the subsidy without a proper mitigation plan has caused undue hardship for Nigerians.
The price of fuel has risen dramatically since the removal of the subsidy, from N195 per liter to around N1,000 per liter, putting immense pressure on citizens who are already struggling with high living costs. This dramatic increase is particularly concerning as the government is still grappling with paying the minimum wage.
Call to Action for Government
The NCEF emphasizes that the government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens. This includes addressing the food crisis, the issue of religious neutrality and the fuel prices. They are demanding that the government take immediate action to dismantle the corrupt checkpoints, re-evaluate fuel pricing and focus on policies that prioritize the needs of the people.
The situation is also further complicated by the ongoing attacks on farmers by religious insurgents, which contributes to food scarcity and increased prices. Reports indicate that these clashes continue to disrupt farming activities, causing additional strain on the nation’s food supply.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria faces these multi-faceted challenges, the NCEF is calling for a renewed focus on good governance, religious tolerance, and economic policies that truly benefit the masses. The hope is that in 2025, the government will take the necessary steps to ensure the welfare and security of all Nigerians.
The NCEF includes prominent figures such as Dr. Samuel Danjuma Dani, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, and Justice James Ogebe, among others, showing broad support and deep concern across various sectors of society.