No longer can Lagosians continue to bear the brunt of an economic depression extending to the whole of Nigeria, so there have been protests asking for quick solutions from their government.

In response to those advocating for a response, a set of palliatives was announced in a media chat the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted on Thursday, 22 February.

In the lineup were a decrease in transportation costs, a 3-day work week for civil servants within a particular cadre and a food bank to provide relief against hunger, all of which will come into effect starting next week.

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Though these provisions solve some problems, Lagosians aren’t down with the ideas because they think it is demeaning to have to line up for food. Ever since COVID-19 hit the megacity of Lagos in 2020, the people had to forcefully adapt to a lower buying potential when trying to access goods and food blamed on inflation growing unabated.

One of the most talked about statements from our media chat [on Thursday] by some groups of people has been our dual-win feeding strategy providing thousands of meals over a time period by integrating Lagos’ cherished Mamaputs and small-scale community food stalls into our hunger relief efforts, Mr Sanwo-Olu posted on X.

These local heroes, who have long nourished our communities, will now play a pivotal role in ensuring that our targeted groups have access to nutritious meals.

Our next step not only aims to feed the hungry but to economically empower the heart of Lagos – our Mamaputs and small-scale restaurants.

By investing in these businesses, we’re creating jobs and ensuring the disadvantaged have meals. It’s a win-win strategy for growth and nutrition, the governor says but residents don’t agree with him.

One of the most talked about statements from our media chat today by some groups of people has been our dual-win feeding strategy providing thousands of meals over a time period by integrating Lagos' cherished Mamaputs and small-scale community food stalls into our hunger relief… pic.twitter.com/09Lm4LSUiw

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) February 22, 2024

The question Lagosians are asking now is how long the food bank initiative will last. Their mind goes back to the COVID times when there were similar initiatives that they think didn’t have a lasting impact on the beneficiaries.

Festus Okunlola, questioning the move, tells Mr Sanwo-olu that this idea is not the way out Mr Governor. It is better to teach people to fish than giving them fish all the time. All the tuber of yams and rice given in the past, how has it taken them out of poverty?

In addition to the free meals being provided, city officials will also construct more hubs where residents can purchase raw produce worth ₦25,000 so that the access is evenly spread.

At what rate per person? 1 or 2k worth of food? Again, this is a sign of unseriousness. The statement is much talked about because it’s the most germane issue, Olasupo Jake tweets. The user was directly reacting to the governor’s post making the announcement.

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On their part, city officials say they are committed to efforts aimed at ensuring the people can cope with challenges but such motive appears not to be visible to the whole population.

Towolawi Jamiu who couldn’t see the positives in the approach believes that the government have ruined everything and eventually turn governance to NGOIsm!

It would seem that the general response to the economic hardship facing Nigerians has been quicker from the state government compared to the federal officers who have the main responsibility when it comes to halting inflation and implementing macroeconomic policies kinder to the majority of people, but they continue to struggle.

Even if the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu thinks his team is making strides and can only get better, what the people want is progress that they can all agree on. For a start, affordable food.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.