CAN Ex‑president Urges Tinubu to Act on Insecurity, Hunger and Inflation

In a candid address to President Bola Tinubu, former Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Reverend Samson Olasupo Ayokunle warned that the federal government must address insecurity Nigeria faces while simultaneously tackling soaring hunger and inflation. Speaking on October 2, 2026, Ayokunle stressed that the removal of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) subsidy has amplified the cost of living, pushing many households toward the brink of starvation.

Why the call to address insecurity Nigeria now is urgent

Ayokunle’s plea comes at a time when the nation records over 1,200 civilian casualties each month in conflict‑prone zones, according to the latest security brief from the Ministry of Defence. The ex‑CAN leader highlighted that insecurity not only claims lives but also disrupts agricultural production, inflates food prices and fuels internal displacement. “When farmers cannot safely tend their farms, the whole food chain collapses,” he said, underscoring the inter‑linked nature of security and hunger.

He also pointed out that the removal of the PMS subsidy in early 2026 has added roughly ₦150 to the price per litre of fuel, a hike that reverberates through transport costs, school fees and medical expenses. For many Nigerians, especially those in the North‑East and North‑West, the combined effect of higher fuel prices and persistent insecurity has eroded purchasing power, making basic staples such as rice and beans unaffordable.

Impact of inflation on everyday Nigerians

Inflation, which peaked at 31.2% in June 2026, continues to erode the real income of workers across the country. Ayokunle highlighted that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised the Monetary Policy Rate three times since the start of the year, a move intended to curb inflation but one that also raises borrowing costs for small‑scale traders and farmers.

“When the cost of borrowing rises, the capital needed for planting season becomes scarce,” he explained. “Consequently, yields fall, and food prices climb, creating a vicious cycle of hunger and poverty.” The ex‑CAN president urged the government to consider targeted subsidies for agricultural inputs, such as fertilizer and improved seed varieties, to break this cycle.

Policy recommendations from the ex‑CAN president

Ayokunle outlined a three‑pronged approach for the Tinubu administration:

1. Security reinforcement: Deploy well‑trained, community‑based security units in high‑risk agrarian zones, coupled with intelligence‑driven operations against banditry and insurgency.
2. Food security measures: Re‑introduce temporary subsidies on essential food items, expand the National Food Reserve Agency’s (NFRA) capacity, and fast‑track the implementation of the 2026 Agricultural Growth Programme.
3. Inflation mitigation: Stabilise fuel prices through a calibrated subsidy mechanism, and provide low‑interest loans to smallholder farmers via the CBN’s Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme.

He also called for a national dialogue involving religious leaders, civil society and the private sector to foster a collaborative response to the crisis.

Practical steps for immediate government action

Beyond the high‑level recommendations, Ayokunle suggested concrete actions that can be rolled out within the next quarter:

• Launch a rapid‑response fund of ₦200 billion to support displaced farming families with seed kits and temporary storage facilities.
• Issue a decree authorising state police to operate joint patrols with local vigilante groups, ensuring clear rules of engagement and accountability mechanisms.
• Introduce a price‑cap on staple grains for a six‑month period, monitored by an independent price‑watch committee composed of economists, consumer‑rights groups and representatives from the Ministry of Trade.

Illustrative Example: A farmer’s perspective

Example: Ibrahim, a 42‑year‑old maize farmer from Bauchi State, shared his experience at a town‑hall meeting in June 2026. After the PMS subsidy removal, his transport costs rose by 40%, forcing him to sell his harvest at a 15% discount to cover fuel. Simultaneously, bandit attacks on nearby roads prevented him from reaching the market on three occasions, resulting in post‑harvest losses estimated at ₦1.2 million. Ibrahim’s case exemplifies how security lapses and fuel price hikes intersect to undermine household food security.

Regional implications and the African context

While the immediate focus is on Nigeria, Ayokunle warned that unchecked insecurity and hunger could spill over into neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad and Cameroon, where cross‑border smuggling of food and weapons already threatens stability. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed concern, urging member states to adopt a coordinated security framework.

In Ghana and Kenya, governments have recently rolled out targeted cash‑transfer programmes to cushion vulnerable households from inflationary pressures. Ayokunle suggested that Nigeria could learn from these models, adapting them to local realities and ensuring transparency through digital payment platforms.

Public reaction and civil society’s role

Since the ex‑CAN president’s remarks aired, social media platforms have been abuzz with hashtags such as #AddressInsecurityNigeria and #FeedOurPeople. Civil society organisations, including the Nigeria Food Security Initiative (NFSI) and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), have called for immediate parliamentary hearings to scrutinise the government’s response.

Women’s groups, particularly those in the North‑East, have highlighted the gendered impact of food scarcity, noting that women often bear the brunt of feeding families while also navigating security threats. “We need policies that empower women farmers with credit and training,” said a spokesperson from the Women’s Agricultural Development Association.

FAQ

• What specific steps has the government taken since the PMS subsidy removal? The Ministry of Finance announced a phased approach to re‑introduce targeted fuel subsidies for public transport and essential goods, but full details remain pending.
• How can ordinary Nigerians contribute to addressing insecurity? Community policing initiatives, reporting suspicious activities to local authorities, and supporting local agricultural cooperatives are practical ways to help.
• Are there any immediate relief programmes for hungry families? The National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) has expanded its conditional cash transfer scheme, though eligibility criteria vary by state.
• What role can technology play in stabilising food prices? Digital market platforms can improve price transparency, while mobile banking enables faster disbursement of subsidies and cash transfers.
• How will the proposed security units be funded? Ayokunle recommends reallocating a portion of the existing defence budget and seeking donor co‑financing under the West African Security Initiative.

Looking ahead: 2027 and beyond

Ayokunle concluded by urging the Tinubu administration to view the 2026 challenges as a catalyst for long‑term reforms. He emphasised that sustainable solutions require investment in rural infrastructure—roads, storage facilities and irrigation—so that future harvests are less vulnerable to climate shocks and security disruptions.

“If we act decisively now, we can set the stage for a resilient, food‑secure Nigeria in 2027 and beyond,” he affirmed. The ex‑CAN president’s call to action resonates with a populace eager for stability, affordable food and a return to normalcy after years of hardship.

For the full statement by Reverend Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, see the Daily Post article.

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