The Organised Private Sector (OPS) has issued a stern warning regarding the escalating crisis triggered by the looting of trucks carrying food and essential raw materials by suspected hoodlums across the country. This concerning development has raised fears within the OPS of potential industry shutdowns if the situation persists.
In separate interviews with The PUNCH on Monday, members of the OPS expressed deep concern over the rampant attacks on trucks conveying vital supplies, citing recent incidents in Ogun and Kaduna states where miscreants targeted vehicles transporting building materials and spaghetti.
Adding to the urgency of the situation, the Federal Government announced plans to initiate the distribution of free grains to states this week in response to the worsening food inflation and cost of living crisis.
The recent wave of attacks has seen several trucks and warehouses, predominantly owned by manufacturers and other OPS members, being targeted by hoodlums desperate for sustenance amidst the growing economic hardship.
Just last week, youths were reported to have stolen food items from trucks stranded in traffic along the Kaduna Road in Niger State’s Suleja area.
President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gabriel Idahosa, expressed grave concerns over the economic turmoil, warning that continued attacks could force companies to shut down operations, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Idahosa stated the urgent need for concrete measures to alleviate hunger and address the escalating criminality, highlighting the significant losses incurred by major manufacturing firms in the previous financial year.
Similarly, Alhaji AbdulRahman Bioku, Chairman of the Kwara/Kogi Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, attributed the surge in food item looting to widespread hunger and frustration among the populace, stressing the need for the government to address transportation challenges and ensure the availability of raw materials for manufacturers.
Condemning the criminal activities, Alhaji AbdulRhaman Maku, Executive Secretary of Abeokuta Chambers of Commerce, called for decisive action by law enforcement agencies against perpetrators while urging prompt distribution of promised food palliatives by state governments.
In response to the escalating crisis, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced plans to roll out the distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains across all 36 states this week, with an additional 58,500 metric tonnes of rice to be released into the market to stabilize prices.
