Broadcaster and political analyst Rufai Oseni has warned the Federal Government of Nigeria that rising economic hardship could trigger widespread unrest across the country.
Mr Oseni spoke on Wednesday, during a live broadcast on Voice of the People 90.3FM, where he linked planned protests to hunger and the rising cost of living.
“You cannot tell a hungry man to exercise patience while you are eating a full-course meal,” Mr Oseni said.
“The language of the hungry is not macro-economic stability. The language of the hungry is bread, milk, and affordable transportation. If the government does not prioritise ‘stomach infrastructure’ immediately, they are misreading the mood of the streets,” he added.
Mr Oseni’s comments come amid growing mobilisation for nationwide protests over economic conditions in Nigeria.
He criticised attempts to describe protesters as opposition-driven, arguing that inflation, high fuel prices, and the weakening of the naira are the real drivers of public frustration.
The analyst warned that failure to reduce the cost of basic goods could lead to a breakdown in public trust.
He said the patience of ordinary Nigerians is being stretched, especially after the removal of fuel subsidies without sufficient social support systems.
According to him, continued hardship could deepen tensions between citizens and the government.
Governance concerns
Mr Oseni also called for a reduction in the cost of governance.
He criticised what he described as “legislative extravagance,” noting a gap between the sacrifices expected of citizens and the spending by public officials.
He further stressed the need for an independent judiciary, warning that if the legal system is seen as controlled by elites, it could weaken public confidence and increase the risk of social instability.
Background
Nigeria is currently facing one of its highest inflation rates in decades.
Since the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023, the cost of food, transportation, and essential goods has risen sharply.
This has led to increased pressure on the government to introduce relief measures or review existing economic policies.
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