Nigeria’s cost of living crisis is heaping misery on the citizens with inflation soaring amidst failing efforts by the monetary and fiscal authorities to stabilise the national currency’s exchange value and to review workers’ wages.

Rising prices have taken many essential items, including food and housing, beyond the reach of millions of citizens across the country, as highlighted by market survey.

Record Inflation
In April, Nigeria’s inflation rate surged to 33.69 per cent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) marking the 11th consecutive increase on President Bola Tinubu’s watch. The 0.49 per cent increase over the figure recorded in March is the highest since 1999 and the fourth-highest since Q1 1996.

Year-on-year, the rate jumped by 11.47 per cent compared to April 2023, while month-on-month, April 2024 saw a 2.29 per cent increase, slightly lower than March’s 3.02 per cent.

The surge was driven by rising prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages, housing, utilities, clothing, and transportation.

Food inflation in March hit 40.53 per cent, with Kogi, Kwara, and Ondo experiencing the highest rates, and Nasarawa, Adamawa, and Bauchi seeing slower increases.

Urban inflation reached 36.00 per cent, while rural inflation stood at 31.64 per cent in April.

Food prices in Minna
A market survey in Minna, Niger State indicated a continuing nearly daily rise in food prices.

A “mudu” (bowl measure) of rice, which cost N1,200 last month, was selling at N1,900 when our reporter visited the central market in the state capital on Monday. Similarly, the same quantity of beans sold for N1,700, with traders noting that the price was N800 last month.

Millet has also experienced a substantial hike in price, from N350 to N900-N950 per mudu and N48,000 per bag over the month.

The prices of palm oil, groundnut oil, garri, maize and sugar have all seen significant increases within the period, underscoring the economic challenges facing the residents of Minna.

Residents decry rising prices
Halima Abubakar, a classroom teacher in Minna, said her salary no longer covers her basic needs.

“A teacher’s salary is so small that it doesn’t cover one’s needs,” she lamented. She said she has been affected most by the rising food prices.

“Sometimes the prices of food items change twice in a day,” she lamented.

Leonard Ogwezi, a building materials dealer in the city, said rising prices had left him unable to replenish his stock.

“Inconsistency in prices causes losses in business,” he said. “I normally buy three bags of nails, but now it’s two.”

A civil servant in the state, Abubakar Kuta, said his living standards have fallen. “We buy 10 measures of rice for N7,000 or less, but now the same quantity costs as much as N23,000.”

Mr Kuta said he used to visit his hometown every weekend but has now reduced his visits to twice a month “due to high transportation costs.”

Nigerian workers struggling
Workers across Nigeria are angry that wages have remained static despite the hyper-inflationary trend, with the government and labour yet to agree on a new national minimum wage.

Evans Emmanuel, a Facebook user, expressed his exasperation on the situation, saying: “I read yesterday that inflation in Nigeria is at a massive 33.69%, and the Federal government is offering 48,000 Naira per month minimum wage to their workers.

“I had thought the first people you should be concerned with should be your own workers. Other institutions in the private sector had at that time reviewed upward their staff remuneration except the very government that caused the hardship through that off-hand policy.”

Other Nigerians are also groaning. “As a student, the price changes have hit hard,” Eniola Brown, a student at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, lamented. “What used to cost N150 now demands N300, doubling my daily expenses, including transport and other things.”

Miss Brown, who is also an entrepreneur, said inflation has affected her sales. “Low sales plague my business,” she said in a Facebook post. “Customers demand refunds due to sudden price hikes caused by currency fluctuations.”

She said the economic squeeze has forced her to reassess her lifestyle. “Luxuries are a thing of the past, I’m cautious with spending, prioritising essentials over indulgences.”

Food crisis threatens millions across Africa
Recent findings by the Cadre Harmonisé (CH) report, a collaborative effort involving the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and other international organisations, depict a grim scenario for millions across West and Central Africa.

Noting that 52 million people face the risk of food insecurity during the upcoming lean season from June to August, the report called for urgent action to avert catastrophic consequences.

A particular concern cited by the report on Nigeria is where it said 31.8 million people, constituting 16 per cent of the analysed population, are at the risk of hunger and malnutrition.

The situation is further exacerbated in the northern states of Sokoto and Zamfara, where over 15 per cent of children endure acute malnutrition.

This looming crisis stems from a confluence of factors including insecurity, climate change and deteriorating macroeconomic conditions.

Inflation rates, which soared to 21 per cent across the region in January 2024, have also compounded the challenges, pushing essential goods beyond the reach of many.

Expert calls for economic diversification
Samuel Nzekwe, a former president of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) said Nigeria needs to “diversify the economy and cultivate an environment conducive to the growth of crucial sectors.”

Mr Nzekwe, who spoke at a gathering of accountants in Ota, Ogun State, earlier this year, said it is a practical means of combatting the inflationary trend.

“Reducing our reliance on oil and broadening the scope of our economy would enable the productive sector to thrive, thereby curbing inflation and alleviating pressure on our currency.”

“With sufficient security measures in place, food production could increase, potentially leading to exports and earning foreign exchange, consequently significantly reducing the nation’s inflation rate.

“To slow the upward trajectory of inflation and stabilise the Naira, the nation must focus on cultivating other areas where it possesses a competitive advantage.”

In one of his oft-quoted statements, the popular Bishop of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great, said: “A good deed is never lost. He who sows courtesy, reaps friendship; he who plants kindness, gathers love; pleasure bestowed on a grateful mind was never sterile, but generally gratitude begets reward.”

The highly revered Bishop may have had the Ogunlewe family in mind when he penned this timeless piece. And for those may have asked questions about the secret and strength behind Moyo Ogunlewe’s love for the people and his desire to dare where others give up, they only have to take a look into his background.

Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe, the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area in Lagos, is a refreshing force. A lawyer by training and a visionary leader by nature, The White Lion, as he is famously called, has demonstrably improved all the sectors in the local government area.

His robust background in both law and business administration bring a much-needed focus on due process and stakeholder engagement. Moyo, like the true Omo Agba that he is, has combined both native and modern intelligence to impact positively on the lives of the people of Kosofe LGA.

Whether providing the much needed-need paliatives, initiating reforms or tackling environmental challenges, Moyo has successfully fostered lasting relationships and collaboration among the multi-tribal settlements in Kosofe, while at the same time ensuring swift and decisive actions on various issues.

His accomplishments are no doubt undeniable. By spearheading policy changes and fostering a culture that places premium on service, he has changed and transformed the narrative around dividends of democracy into dividends of good governance.

From a responsible resource management to promoting sustainable practices, Moyo is laying the groundwork for a beautiful and susteinable relationship between the government and the governed in Kosofe.

Born in February 1984, Moyosore Ogunlewe’s journey towards excellence commenced with his formative years in Lagos, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavours.

Born into a political family, Moyo cut his teeth in people-driven politics early in life. A true chip off the old block, young Moyo is creating his own path as a core grassroot person and as a man of the people, his reach among young people cuts across the whole of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

His hunger and undying desire to better the lives of the people around him and the society at large was a strong enough motivation to attract him into politics. While young men of his age still sucked from Mama’s breast and gets allowance from dad, Moyo set for himself a mission when he contested for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat for Kosofe Constituency 1 in 2015 and 2019.

With his strong determination, the setbacks of those years were not enough to deter him. On July 24,2021, Moyo was elected as the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

It is not an exageration to say that Kosofe is fortunate to have a leader like Moyo at the helm of its affairs. His extensive experience, unwavering resolve, and collaborative approach position him perfectly to address the environmental challenges facing the state. With Wahab leading the charge, a brighter future for Lagos’ environment and waterways is within reach.

Having keyed into the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Greater Lagos mantra, Moyo has brought a fresh start and vibrant ideas to governance in Kosofe. His background as a progressive is yielding positive results on the streets of Kosofe.

And like the eagle, Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe has continued to soar as the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, excelling in all departments of public administration and continually redefining local government administration.

His performance in the last three years of selfless service has definitely placed him as one of the best performing local government chairmen in Nigeria. Drawing from his understanding of Governor Sanwo-Olu, he pulled the stirngs to apply some balm of Gilead to heal and soothe the pains of the people.

Some of the landmark successes recorded by the chairman in the last three years include the acquisition of state-of-the-art hiace buses to serve as a grassroots benefit and palliative. This, no doubt is an insightful move to alleviate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal mandated by the federal government.

The buses move across Oworonsoki, Ifako/Gbagada, Anthony/Mende/Maryland, and Ojota/Ogudu. From 7 to 9 in the morning, paving the way for progress and granting you the gift of effortless travel free of charge. Fear not about your return journey, for from 4 to 7 in the evening, these buses will whisk you back to your bus stop just as seamlessly. Embrace the journey, embrace the freedom it brings.

This transit system is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a vital lifeline for the local community. These buses as part of the Kosofe cares projects under Kosofe Concern Initiative represent dedication to the grassroots and serve as a promise that the well-being of the Kosofe people is top priority. Come join us on our journey towards a brighter, more connected future.

In the provision of much-needed infrastructure, Moyosore is head and shoulder above his peers.

The records
Construction of 30 road projects, including:
Ogundairo Street, (Oworonshoki Ward B)
Awanatu Street, (Oworonshoki Ward B)
Baale Close, (Oworonshoki Ward B)
Aran Orin Street Ifako (Ward C)
Julius Kadiri Street, (Ifako Ward C)
Adebayo Mokuolu Street, (Anthony Ward D)
Abioye Street, (Mende -Maryland Ward E)
AbayomiOdubela Street, (Ojota Ward F)
Araromi Street, (Ogudu Ward G)
Idowu Dada Street, (Ogudu Ward G)
Ajoke Ogunlewe Street (Ogudu Ward G)
Mudi -Lane street (Anthony ward D)
Alade Lawal Street (Anthony Ward D)
Prince Jide Adeniyi Street (Anthony Ward D)
Deji Odunuga Street (Anthony)
Adepitan Street Ogudu ( Ward G)
Abbi Street Mende( Ward E)
Atiba- Osborne Street Mende(Ward E)

Rehabilitation of roads
Adebowale Salami Street ( Mende ward E)
Sunmola Street ( Mende ward E)
GRADING OF ROADS
Massive grading of roads at Mechanic Village (Ogudu Ward G)
Alh. Amoo Street (ojota Ward F)

Completed drainage system

Awanatu Street, (Oworonshoki Ward B)
Aran Orin Street, (Ifako Ward C)
Adebayo Mokuolu Street, (Anthony Ward D)
Abioye Street, (Mende Ward E)
Abayomi Odubela Street, (Ojota Ward F)
Idowu Dada Street, (Ogudu Ward G)
Araromi Street, (Ogudu Ward G)

Musa Adewokun Street, (Ojota Ward F) left side and right side
Niyi Ogunleye Street, (Ojota Ward F) left side and right side
Epetedo Street, (Ogudu Ward G) left side
Atiba- Osborne Street mende.( Ward E)

Culverts
Construction of Culvert at Festus Keyamo Street, Anthony Village. The Moyo Ogunlewe administration has not relented in its effort to ensure that it touches every area of needs. Construction works took off immediately the administration assumed office.

Court

Construction of a new Customary Court and Administrative Offices.

Education

Construction of a block of 10 classrooms fully equipped at Mosafejo primary school, Oworonsoki. (waiting to be commissioned)

Health
The construction of a new HEALTH CENTRE at Olojojo. The centre is fully equipped with modern medical facilities. The project was a collaboration between Kosofe LGA and Access Bank Plc

He has also recorded laudable successes with the general renovation of local government secretariat; construction of the perimeter fence at council secretariat to forestall encroachment; painting of all blocks of offices at the local government secretariat; construction of modern bio-digesters soak away; construction of scaffolding of water tank at the rear back of the Secretariat; installation of the security light at the council secretariat; re-roofing of damaged roof within the local government secretariat; construction of water fountain for the beautification of the local government secretariat; construction of NULGE administrative block, stores, and staff toilets and the purchase of EIGHT 500KVA transformers, two of which have already been allocated. The platforms for the other six are presently under construction and are expected to be allocated as soon as possible.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has eulogised his daughter, Princess Adeola Ogunwusi, on her 30th birthday, but reminded her to “bring a husband to daddy”.

The Ooni who took to his Instagram handle to celebrate his daughter prayed God continue to be with her in all her endeavours.

Recalling his words to her in decades, he said when she was 10 years old, he advised her about school and her future.

At 20, he urged her to understand the values of morals and well-being. And now that she’s 30, she should “bring husband to daddy”.

He wrote: “Princess Adeola, Aanuoluwapo, Atutunini, Bamdefe Ogunwusi, Omo Ojaja II. I am truly grateful for the fulfilling life you have lived. May God Almighty continue to be with you in all your endeavors. Amen!

“When you turned 10, your father would talk to you about school and your future. At 20, he encouraged you to listen and understand the importance of morals and well-being, even as you sought independence.

“Now that you are 30, you are a grown woman. Your father senses that you no longer wish to be advised as independence has finally set in.

“I talked 10 to you and I got your subtle independence behaviour in return, I talked 20 to you and still got your near obvious independence behaviour in return. Now I’m talking 30 to a grown woman, so go and bring husband to daddy o…

“With love from the throne of Oduduwa.”