Northern traders under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of Foodstuffs and Cattle Dealers in Nigeria (AUFCON) has threatened to suspend food supply across the nation, over the federal government’s failure to pay a compensation plan of ₦4.75 billion it had applied.

The union made this known yesterday [Tuesday] in Abuja, after an emergency meeting.

However, the Northern traders gave the government a three-weeks ultimatum to implement the signed agreement, which led to the strike resumption in March, this year.

The union alleged that its members were still being extorted by security agencies in the Southeast.

Recall that, the Northern traders had blocked food supply to South, demanding a payment of ₦4.75 billion compensation for lives of members, and properties lost during the #Endsars protest, and shasha market chaos.

The traders had also demanded the dismantling of all roadblocks on federal highways and an agreement with state government, to withdraw service anytime their members were subjected to attack.

The Northern traders agreed to call off the strike, following a meeting brokered by Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello on behalf of the federal government.

However, AUFCON President Muhammad Tahir said three months after the union suspended the strike, the government was yet to meet their demands.

He said at the expiration of the fresh three-weeks ultimatum, traders would ensure a nationwide blockage of food supply.

“As AUFCON, we have written to the federal government to the ministries concerned, to the security agencies, telling them of the promises of previous strike taken upon by the union, to remind them that they have not done anything.

“If nothing is done probably in the next three weeks, we will come back, discuss and take a final resolution. The strike must be nationwide. We will cut-off food supply nationwide in the next three weeks if nothing is done,” he lamented.

Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News | June 9, 2021