By, Dr Laiatu Augustine Bamaiyi.
In what appears to be a twist against economic saboteurs, some individuals who had hoarded food items in anticipation of higher prices have been left disappointed, as the cost of foodstuffs continues to decline across Northern Nigeria.
Reports indicate that these elements, who initially stockpiled food with the hope of creating artificial scarcity, are now shifting their narrative by claiming that the economy of Northern Nigeria is being deliberately undermined.
My Analysts and investigation, however, argue that such actions including smuggling of petroleum products into Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as hoarding essential food commodities cannot be described as “protecting the northern economy.”
Instead, they insist such practices only deepen the suffering of the masses.
“Smuggling fuel across borders and hoarding food until prices skyrocket is not our economy. It is economic sabotage,” one source lamented.
Many Nigerians are calling for divine intervention, praying that God guides those engaged in such harmful practices or breaks their influence if they refuse to change.
They also prayed for further reduction in food prices, so that ordinary citizens can afford their daily needs without unbearable hardship.
As the debate continues, economic experts warn that unchecked smuggling and hoarding could further strain national food security, even as government policies aim to stabilize prices and ease the burden on the poor.
