Sokoto residents protest economic hardship in metropolis

Residents of Sokoto have protested the high cost of living in Nigeria, marching from Tudun Wada area of the state capital to the front of Government House.

Some of the protesters held placards, chanting “Beans is expensive”, “Maize is expensive” “Fuel is expensive” among others.

The economic hardship faced by Nigerians is keeping many on their toes, seeking aid from government to have a breakthrough.

The prices of foodstuffs and other commodities have been soaring, which has led to the worsening of the already fragile economy of the country.

There were protests in Niger and Kano states last week while the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have given a two-week ultimatum to the federal government to begin implementing policies that will assuage the suffering of Nigerians.

Addressing journalists, Abdullahi Muhammad, who led the protest, said the situation is pushing the people to the wall.

“It’s surprising how nobody is trying to bring the prices of commodities down. We elected these people hoping that things would be better but things are getting worse. We need price control to ensure stability in prices of goods,” he said.

He also accused traders of hoarding goods and unnecessarily increasing prices of commodities, calling on the government to put more effort in supervising businesses.

“mudu of garri is N1,250 while a mudu of maize flour is N1,700. Traders are part of the problem because they are in the habit of increasing prices at will,” he said.