TheCable

The Lagos state government has asked residents not to panic over increase in the prices of food items.

There has been a spike in the prices of food items following the strike embarked upon by cattle and foodstuff dealers under the aegis of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN).

On Thursday, the union, which is an affiliate of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), commenced a nationwide strike after the completion of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the federal government.

AUFCDN is seeking protection of its members, and payment of N475 billion compensation for lives of members and properties lost during the #EndSARS protest and the Shasa market crisis in Ibadan. The dealers also demand removal of roadblocks, which they said is responsible for the extortion of their members by security operatives.

Speaking while appearing as a guest on “Daily Digest with Jimi Disu”, a programme on Nigerian Info 99.3FM, on Tuesday, Gbenga Omotosho, commissioner for information, said the government is taking steps to resolve the matter.

Omotosho said there is no need for anxiety, saying food security is guaranteed despite the situation.

“The government is aware of the situation and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is on top of it. He has initiated steps to ensure the matter is resolved by the weekend,” he said.

“I assure you Governor Sanwo-Olu is on top of the matter. There will be a meeting. He will tell both sides to embrace peace in the interest of all.”

The commissioner urged residents to “take it easy” as Lagos government would continue to put facilities in place to ensure self-sufficiency in food production and supply.

On the return of Lekki Concession Company(LCC) to the Lekki toll gate, the commissioner said that contrary to the misconception in some circles, the facility will not resume tolling soon, considering its destruction during the #ENDSARS protests.

“Even then, there will be a better tolling system, with the use of technology,” he said.