Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume Raises Alarm Over Rising Cost of Living and Food Scarcity, Complains of the President's Closed Door Policies.

Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, voiced deep concern over Nigeria's escalating cost of living and food scarcity. Speaking to BBC Hausa, Ndume highlighted the government's failure to address these critical issues, noting that even some ministers struggle to secure meetings with President Bola Tinubu to discuss these matters.

Recently, Ndume and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi sponsored a motion addressing the country's food crisis. They pointed out that the World Food Programme has warned of potential food insecurity affecting 82 million Nigerians in the next five years. Ndume emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning of potential famine and starvation, particularly among children, if immediate action is not taken.

He stressed the need for the President's intervention in tackling both the high cost of living and food scarcity nationwide. Ndume cited instances from Katsina State, where children are already suffering from malnutrition due to food shortages, and referenced similar dire situations in Niger Republic and South Sudan.

Expressing disappointment in the government's lack of concrete steps despite promises, Ndume urged immediate action, including engaging experts and stakeholders to devise solutions. He cautioned that Nigeria could face a future where food becomes scarce even for those who can afford it, echoing concerns about potential market shortages.