Skip to main content Skip to footer 
In recent days, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in the looting of trucks transporting vital food supplies and raw materials, prompting grave concerns from the organized private sector (OPS). Members of the OPS have sounded the alarm, cautioning that these rampant attacks by suspected hoodlums could precipitate a widespread shutdown of industries nationwide.
The escalating crisis came to the fore as miscreants targeted trucks ferrying building materials and spaghetti in Ogun and Kaduna states. These incidents, coupled with the Federal Government’s announcement of plans to commence the distribution of free grains to states, underscore the severity of the situation.
Numerous trucks and warehouses, predominantly owned by manufacturers and other OPS members, have fallen victim to the spate of attacks amid soaring food inflation and the worsening cost of living crisis across the country. From youths pilfering food items from stranded trucks along the Kaduna Road to brazen assaults on warehouses stocked with rice and grains in the Federal Capital Territory, the situation has reached a critical juncture.
Gabriel Idahosa, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, voiced concerns over the economic turmoil, warning of dire consequences if the looting persists. He emphasized that the prevailing economic hardships risk plunging the nation into anarchy, where distinctions between public and private property blur amid the chaos.
Reflecting on the grim reality faced by manufacturing firms, Idahosa highlighted significant losses incurred during the previous financial year, with some contemplating closure and mass layoffs due to the relentless pillaging of their goods.
Alhaji AbdulRahman Bioku, Chairman of the Kwara/Kogi Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, echoed similar sentiments, attributing the looting spree to widespread hunger and frustration stemming from job losses and dwindling incomes. He called on the government to prioritize transportation infrastructure and ensure unhindered access to raw materials for manufacturers.
As condemnation mounts against the criminal activities, Alhaji AbdulRhaman Maku, Executive Secretary of Abeokuta Chambers of Commerce, urged swift and decisive action from law enforcement agencies. He emphasized the need for state governments to expedite the distribution of promised food palliatives to alleviate the suffering of the populace and deter further acts of lawlessness.
Echoing these sentiments, Chief Dennis Iberim, Publicity Secretary of the Anambra Chamber of Commerce, urged the government to review policies exacerbating poverty and industrial challenges. Meanwhile, stakeholders emphasized the imperative of bolstering security measures to safeguard businesses and restore investor confidence.
Despite assurances from the government, incidents of looting persist, with a recent attack on a truck transporting raw materials from the Dangote Cement Plant serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis. The police have launched investigations into the incident, but concerns linger over the effectiveness of security measures in stemming the tide of lawlessness.
In response to the escalating food crisis, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced plans for the distribution of free grains across all states. Amidst these tumultuous times, Kyari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges and restoring normalcy in due course.
