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Nigerian labour unions begin a two day strike as part of more protests against the high cost of living and growing insecurity.

Prices are going up by 30 per cent a year while the value of the naira currency has plunged as Africa鈥檚 biggest economy and most populous nation embarks on a series of economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, who came to power in May 2023.

As part of Newsday's special coverage on the cost of living crisis in Africa, we asked Nigeria's Finance Minister Wale Edun how he is helping Nigerians, and poor Nigerians in particular, to cope?

"We are taking long overdue economic reforms. This cost of living spike is being addressed directly... putting money in the hands of households."

"Fundamental improvements are being made in agriculture. Government spends 13 per cent of GDP - it is far too low. We are reforming the tax system to be much more efficient in their collection. What matters is... we want to have enough food, enough domestic production."

"We are focussed on bringing down inflation. These reforms are necessary. There is pain... the President asks for patience and forbearance. In a democracy everybody has the right to say how they are feeling. And he is listening very careful and acting to meet the needs of Nigerians."

(Pic: Wale Edun; Credit: Getty Images)

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