In response to the looting of a food store near Abuja, Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced increased security measures at its warehouses nationwide.
The incident occurred over the weekend when hundreds of people looted a warehouse in Gwagwa, on the outskirts of Abuja, highlighting the social unrest triggered by rising prices and economic challenges.
While the NEMA clarified that the looted warehouse did not belong to them, the agency expressed its commitment to enhancing security nationwide at its offices and warehouses.
The move aims to prevent similar incidents and safeguard essential supplies.
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mariya Mahmoud, confirmed the looting and described it as a crime “beyond hunger.”
She emphasized the need to reinforce security around all warehouses, acknowledging the challenges posed by the country’s economic crisis.
The looting incident comes amid nationwide protests against soaring living costs, with thousands of Nigerians participating in demonstrations organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The economic crisis, exacerbated by removing fuel subsidies and currency controls, has led to a significant spike in living costs, with inflation reaching nearly 30% in January.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who implemented the reforms, has called for patience, stating that the measures will attract foreign investment.
However, the impact on citizens has been severe, forcing many to skip meals and cope with food shortages.
Nigerian Government should not hoard food in warehouse since they claim that individuals are hoarding food to cause inflation. Instead of intensifying security measures in warehouses, they should share them to the needy.