Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, has expressed concern over the rising cost of living and food scarcity in Nigeria.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ndume criticized the federal government for failing to address these issues.

He highlighted that some ministers and members of the National Assembly are unable to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the challenges affecting their constituencies.

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The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed, to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly, who do not have the opportunity to meet with him and discuss the issues affecting their constituencies,” he said

Ndume, along with Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, sponsored a motion to address the food crisis. 

They cited the World Food Programme’s warning that 82 million Nigerians could face food insecurity in the next five years. Ndume emphasized the urgency of government intervention to prevent famine and starvation, especially among children.

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We want to draw the government’s attention to the fact that Nigeria is not only facing a high cost of living but also food scarcity. We want the President to intervene in the issue of high cost of living and food scarcity”, he said.

Ndume pointed to malnutrition in Katsina State and compared Nigeria’s situation to hunger crises in Niger Republic and South Sudan. 

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We have seen how it happened in Niger Republic and South Sudan, where children are dying due to hunger, and we are starting to see it in Nigeria, Senator Ndume,” the senator added.

He called on the government to meet with experts and stakeholders to find a solution, stressing that the government must act swiftly to prevent a situation where even those with money cannot find food to buy.