Agbakoba Warns FG as Protest Looms Over Hunger in Nigeria

Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has warned that a “hunger riot” could soon erupt in Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to take swift action. On Tuesday, Agbakoba revealed this while speaking to journalists in his Ikoyi, Lagos office.

He pointed out that extreme poverty prevents the majority of Nigerians from affording basic necessities like food.

Agbakoba also highlighted that this situation persists despite the country’s abundant oil and gas resources, which he claimed have been commandeered by foreigners.

Agbakoba insisted that Nigeria must prevent the masses from being driven to the point of taking to the streets due to hunger.

He warned that hungry people might start entering houses and shops in broad daylight to steal food.

“Hunger riot can occur anytime in Nigeria,” Agbakoba advised Tinubu to restructure his cabinet and cut the cost of governance.

“President Tinubu needs to dismantle the cabinet. Having over 40 ministers is too large. We don’t need more than 20 ministries,” he remarked.

The legal practitioner urged Tinubu to eliminate certain government agencies and broaden the tax base, claiming that some multinational oil companies are evading taxes.

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As food inflation surged to 40.66 percent in May, Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to feed themselves.

The cost of food surged by 61 per cent, climbing from 25.25 per cent in June 2023 to 40.66 per cent in May 2024. This significant increase underscores a steady rise in the cost of living. The National Bureau of Statistics highlighted these trends in their latest Consumer Price Index and Inflation report.

The NBS revealed that headline inflation increased by 0.26 percent, rising to 33.95 percent from the 33.69 percent recorded in April.

Therefore, Agbakoba emphasized that we must urgently take action to prevent the impending hunger riots.