Business
Economist Prof. Ajibola Criticizes Hunger Protests for Economic Disruption
Professor Segun Ajibola, a distinguished economist and former President and Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, has criticized the ongoing hunger protests in Nigeria, stating that they have severely disrupted the economy and resulted in widespread losses for everyone involved.
According to Prof. Ajibola, the informal sector, which constitutes approximately 45 percent of Nigeria’s economy, has been particularly affected.
Disruptions to both human and vehicular movement have had a detrimental impact on operators within this sector, especially those running micro, small, and medium enterprises.
He highlighted that individuals in areas where curfews have been imposed, such as roadside mechanics, barbers, hairdressers, vulcanizers, market vendors, artisans, hawkers, and laborers, are experiencing significant hardships.
These individuals rely on daily activities for their livelihood and are particularly vulnerable when public protests impede their ability to work.
Prof. Ajibola emphasized that such large-scale protests disrupt economic activities and leave lasting scars on the economy.
The resulting challenges extend beyond individual losses, affecting the overall economic health and productivity at both personal and corporate levels.
He urged that dialogue and roundtable discussions are preferable to violent protests, which constrain economic activities and exacerbate the negative impact on the economy.
The protests, which began last Thursday under the banner of #EndBadGovernance, have escalated into violence in several northern states, including Plateau, Kaduna, and Kano.
This escalation has led to curfews being imposed, resulting in additional loss of lives and property. The protesters are demanding an end to the high cost of living in Nigeria.
- MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTNN) – Strong telecom growth and 5G expansion.
- Dangote Cement Plc (DANGCEM) – Leading cement maker benefiting from infrastructure demand.
- Guinness Nigeria Plc (GUINNESS) – Consumer stock with solid turnaround potential.
- Okomu Oil Palm Plc (OKOMUOIL) – Agriculture stock tied to palm oil demand.
- Seplat Energy Plc (SEPLAT) – Energy player with gas and oil sector exposure.
- Zenith Bank Plc (ZENITHBANK) – Tier-1 bank with strong financial performance.
- Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) – Leading bank with diversified revenue streams.
- Presco Plc (PRESCO) – Palm oil producer with export and dividend potential.
- NASCON Allied Industries Plc (NASCON) – FMCG stock with strong fundamentals.
- Aradel Holdings Plc (ARADEL) – Growing energy sector stock with upstream exposure.
It has been noted that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) plan to renew their partnership in agribusiness.
The new project is to involve youth in the agriculture business, widen their horizons, and educate them about the agritech sector.
The general manager shared that “The foundation is not only providing grants but also building a system of mentorship, structure, and support that enables corps members to see agribusiness as a serious enterprise pathway.” The plan is to use the NYSC platform to engage youths.
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, has revealed the government’s intention of placing women in the livestock transformation agenda that they have in store for Nigeria.
During a recent event, he praised women, describing them as the backbone of the country, and shared that the country will keep on needing their support, hence the inclusion of the agenda team.
He also praised the First Lady for the impact she has made in the country so far and her advocacy for women’s empowerment.
Fuji Star Shanko Rasheed Atanda Loses First Son
Love Island Star Rob Rausch Wins Traitors Season 4
