By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The only panacea to curb the current inflation bedeviling the country is for both the government and the citizens to cut down on wastages.

To this end, the Nigerian government must ensure that all forms of economic wastages are curtailed while the citizens also try to live a moderate lifestyle.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, the Asiwaju of Yoruba Land, Edo, and Delta States, Alhaji Olatunde Badmus, said the current inflation challenges have affected small-scale industries engaged in production, forcing them to cut down the costs of production.

According to him, the significant effect of cutting down production will no doubt lead to a reduction in the workforce, adding that there is nothing anyone can do about the situation at the moment.

“Those of us who are in agriculture and also engage in production are already feeling the impact. The increase in tariffs for electricity supply is so high now that we are forced to close down some of the factories involved in production.

“Regarding whether the closures will lead to the sacking of workers in the private sector, he said definitely because they have no choice. Some small-scale private companies are relocating out of the country due to high inflation.

“President Ahmed Tinubu, in his democracy speech, assured Nigerians that better days are coming and admitted that the country and masses are facing difficult times, which will not last too long.

“The president equally mentioned the need to diversify the economy by engaging in agriculture. You know if you are into agriculture, you must be patient for your produce to mature before harvesting. I do know that we will surmount these challenges in the shortest possible time.”

Badmus, who said Nigerians have started adjusting to the realities of inflation, noted, “Go to the streets, and you will see that the number of people driving their cars has drastically reduced. The cost of diesel has started dropping. Premium motor spirit (PMS) too will also come down, but it’s going to be a gradual process.”

He, however, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the federal government as hardship does not last forever.