As Nigerians continue to grapple with the high cost of living, political analyst Professor Udenta Udenta has drawn a sharp comparison between the economic realities of the past and present, using the price of basic food items as a measure.
Speaking during an interview on Daily Trust TV from 14:40, Udenta faulted the government’s economic policies, insisting that they have worsened the plight of ordinary citizens. He pointed to inflation, unemployment, and insecurity as clear signs that Nigerians are struggling more than ever before.
In making his case, Udenta highlighted the drastic rise in food prices, using rice as an example. “When Jonathan was president, a bag of rice was ₦8,000, but now it’s roughly ₦60,000 to ₦80,000.”
According to him, this stark difference in prices is not just about inflation but also a reflection of poor governance, weak economic planning, and misplaced priorities by the current administration. He added that the burden of survival is heavier now, with transportation, housing, and medical expenses also rising beyond the reach of average Nigerians.
Udenta argued that while former President Goodluck Jonathan faced criticism for subsidy management and certain policy challenges, his era still provided a more stable living condition compared to the present. He said that Nigerians could clearly “see with their eyes” the difference in welfare between both administrations.
The political commentator also linked the current hardship to the government’s removal of fuel subsidy and the naira’s free fall, describing them as “punitive policies” that have left citizens impoverished. He stressed that unless urgent measures are taken to cushion the effects, the economic crisis could deepen further.
With 2027 elections already drawing speculation, Udenta maintained that Nigerians will likely judge future candidates by how well they can restore affordability to daily life, particularly in food and household essentials. See, More, Here>>>
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