Nigeria is grappling with a deadly affliction known as food insecurity, which has ravaged the livelihoods of individuals in various financial cadres in the country.
This plague artificially caused by the arbitrary increase of the prices of food in the market have had dire consequences on the welfare of Nigerians.
In light of the current situation, reporters from Federal Character conducted interviews with students from the public university to gather their perspectives on the rising prices of food items and its impact on their welfare.
One student from the University of Ibadan shared her experience, highlighting how the increase in prices has significantly affected her daily life, leading to increased stress and uncertainties about food purchase.
Remi, another student at the University of Ibadan, lamented: “Buying food has become increasingly difficult for me since the recent price hike. I can only afford to prepare a small meal for myself after classes. It is exhausting and overwhelming for me, as I struggle to concentrate without proper feeding. Even snacking while studying has become a luxury I can no longer afford.”
Another student at the university expressed similar concerns, stating, “I can barely afford to sustain myself anymore. My monthly allowance is insufficient to cover my basic needs, and I often find myself skipping meals due to the high cost of purchasing food.”
One student, expressing profound dejection, remarked, “Honestly, I’m exhausted! There’s nothing more to say because what good will our complaints do?”
The distress of university students who must fend for themselves while in school during this period knows no limits. Many have taken to side jobs for additional income while in school to supplement the shortage. Regardless, there is still barely enough for the average student.
The culmination of this interview underscores the reality that even students are not spared from the impact of the high cost of food affecting the general public.
If students, who are largely supported by their parents, are experiencing such significant hardship, one can only imagine the plight of the average Nigerian.
What challenges are faced by parents who must provide for both themselves and their children?
What prospects are there for the average worker earning less than 60,000 naira per month?
And what about government employees with a minimum wage of 30,000 naira per month?
The current state of affairs in the country underscores the urgent need for the government to make prompt and effective decisions regarding the essential needs of every Nigerian.
As the matter of food scarcity transcends boundaries and impacts every individual within the Nigerian economy.
