Nigerians Scramble for Palliatives Due to Harsh Economic Policies” – NNPP’s Olufemi Ajadi
A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has expressed concern over the growing scramble for palliatives across the country, attributing it to the severe poverty and hardship Nigerians are facing. In a statement issued on Monday, Oguntoyinbo lamented the devastating effects of recent government policies on the wellbeing of the citizens, particularly in 2024, and urged both federal and state governments to take steps to alleviate these challenges in the coming year, 2025.
Oguntoyinbo cited the recent stampedes that occurred in various parts of Nigeria, where citizens rushed to receive food and other aid, often resulting in tragic deaths. He pointed to the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a key factor contributing to the worsening situation, further compounded by the failure of palliatives meant to ease the burden of the populace from reaching those in need.
“It is disheartening that Nigerians are now forced to scramble for foodstuffs and basic necessities through donors, leading to stampedes and the tragic loss of lives. Most notably, over 35 children perished in a stampede in Ibadan, and similar incidents occurred in Okija, Anambra State, and Abuja. These stampedes are a direct result of the abject poverty many Nigerians endure,” Oguntoyinbo said.
He appealed to President Tinubu and state governors to prioritize the improvement of citizens’ living standards in the year ahead. Oguntoyinbo emphasized that policies should be carried out with a human face, ensuring that the nation’s vast resources benefit all Nigerians, not just a select few. He further called for the reduction of petroleum prices, particularly given the president’s role as the Minister of Petroleum, to provide relief to the masses.
“The President, in his capacity as Minister of Petroleum, must work towards reducing the prices of petroleum products, as this will help ease the financial strain many Nigerians face. It is crucial that the new year brings about real change, with policies that reflect the needs of the people,” Oguntoyinbo concluded.
He also reiterated that Nigeria, blessed with abundant mineral resources, should not continue to suffer from widespread poverty. As the country heads into 2025, Oguntoyinbo urged the government to take immediate and decisive actions to improve the lives of Nigerians.
