Amidst the prevailing hardship in the country, concerned Nigerians are calling on the federal government to humbly reconsider and reverse some of its economic policies. This appeal comes in the wake of incidents of looting from warehouses as a desperate survival strategy.

In recent events, numerous hungry and frustrated Nigerians stormed the Federal Capital Territory’s Agric Department Strategic food store located in Tasha, Abuja, and looted food items. Residents reported that angry youths invaded the warehouse and made off with bags of maize and other grains.

This attack on a storage facility mirrors what occurred during the EndSARS protest against police brutality and the COVID-19 lockdown. At that time, warehouses belonging to the government across the country were invaded and looted by desperate citizens. Nigerian security forces struggled to contain the escalating looting, which was a result of widespread youth-led protests and the ongoing economic hardships.

The current economic hardship in Nigeria has once again pushed citizens to extreme measures. In July 2023, two individuals were killed as groups of young men looted food stores in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State. The raids quickly spread from government food warehouses to private businesses in the market. The state government imposed a round-the-clock curfew, and arrests were made in connection with the looting.

These recent incidents have garnered reactions from various Nigerians, with some expressing concerns that the situation could escalate into a full-blown revolution. To avoid such a disaster, stakeholders assert that it is crucial for the Bola Tinubu government to acknowledge its mistakes and reverse ill-considered policies.

Former national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Maxi Okwu, is among those advocating for a change in direction. Okwu acknowledges the widespread distress experienced by Nigerians and criticizes the federal government’s apparent lack of solutions to address the economic crisis. He suggests that certain policies, such as the floating of Naira and fuel subsidy, need to be temporarily adjusted in order to alleviate immediate challenges.

Yusuf Shehu, a former lawmaker in Katsina State, also attributes the incidents of looting to the alarming economic situation in the country. He warns about the consequences if the situation persists and calls on the government to take urgent action to alleviate the suffering of the people.

Romanus Okoye, a lawyer, delves into the legal aspects of looting and highlights the need for government accountability. He emphasizes that when a population is pushed to its limits, unrest becomes inevitable.

Ikechukwu Anthony, a public affairs analyst, expresses concern over the rising cost of food, which has become unaffordable for a significant portion of Nigerians. He warns that the recent incidents in Abuja are just the beginning of potential widespread unrest if the government fails to address the hunger crisis urgently. Anthony advises the government to reevaluate its policies promptly.