Michael Olugbode in Abuja ActionAid Nigeria has said that the persistent increases in fuel prices have brought Nigerians to their knees, and worsening the already dire situations of poverty and hunger in the country, raising the alarm that as Nigerians continue to eke a living with the present situation of things in the country there may be increase in kidnapping, armed robberies, and other violent crimes, Speaking in Abuja, ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, lamented that the latest series of increases has made life unbearable for struggling families, small business owners, and vulnerable communities who are barely managing to make a living. He said: “We foresee that this economic hardship and hopelessness may likely create a fertile ground for crimes to thrive, with kidnapping, armed robberies, and other violent crimes, especially during the festive season. Transportation costs have also more than doubled, and food has become a luxury that many cannot afford.
As it stands, Nigeria’s healthcare system is also affected, with recent reports indicating that at least 50 per cent of private hospitals have been forced to shut down, while those that remain are barely surviving due to high operating costs. This has devastating consequences for Nigerians, leaving many without access to proper healthcare services. The government’s inadequacies in providing pro-poor policies have created an economic and social crisis that threatens all spheres of our society.
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