In an interview with ANAYO EZUGWU, Prof Itse Sagay, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), shared his views on President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office, the controversial Ranches Commission Bill, and measures to address the current hardship faced by Nigerians.
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Prof Sagay acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians are experiencing due to high prices and the devaluation of the Naira. He expressed hope that the government’s policies would gradually alleviate the situation, bringing the economy to a level where the majority of Nigerians can live more comfortably.
To provide immediate relief, Sagay suggested that the government should purchase and sell food items at reduced prices, similar to the Sunday Market initiative by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He urged other state governments and the Federal Government to adopt this approach to help reduce the cost of living for citizens.
Regarding the demand for wage increases by organized labour, Sagay criticized the N615,000 minimum wage proposal as unrealistic and potentially damaging to the economy. Instead, he recommended that labour focus on asking the government to improve living conditions and bring down prices, rather than imposing wages that could lead to hyperinflation.
Sagay supported the Federal Government’s plan to waive duties on imported food items and drugs for six months, believing it would help address hunger and the high cost of medications in the country. He also expressed his long-standing support for state police and the Ranches Commission Bill, arguing that the current system of herding is destructive to agriculture and contributes to food shortages and insecurity.
The Senior Advocate advised the North to embrace modernization and industrialization of the cattle industry, emphasizing the potential economic benefits of establishing ranches and developing dairy products. He believes that the extra money accrued from stopping fuel subsidies should be used to provide products that Nigerians spend money on, thereby reducing the cost of living in the short term while long-term policies take effect.
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