In Nigeria today, the echoes of hardship resonate louder than ever before, painting a grim picture of a nation struggling with profound economic challenges. The daily lives of millions are marked by an intense struggle to afford basic necessities, commute to work, and manage household expenses. Amidst this turmoil, the purchasing power of the average Nigerian has plummeted to an unprecedented low, reflecting the severity of the economic constraints facing the country.
The recent removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has been pinpointed as a pivotal factor exacerbating these hardships. While the decision was presumably made with the intention of reallocating resources for broader economic benefits, its immediate aftermath has seen an escalation in the cost of living, without the prompt implementation of compensatory measures promised by the government. The anticipation of relief through the provision of buses to ease transportation woes, the disbursement of a monthly stipend to the poor for six months, and an increase in the minimum wage, remains unmet. These unfulfilled promises have left many Nigerians questioning, “For how long will we endure this hardship?”
As we navigate through these challenging times, it is imperative that strategic and immediate actions are taken to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian people. One critical area that demands urgent attention is food production. The Ministry of Agriculture must declare a state of emergency in food production to counter the spiraling food prices and ensure food security. The provision of healthy seedlings, tubers, and stems to farmers for planting is a step in the right direction. Additionally, offering other incentives such as herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and farm implements will significantly boost agricultural productivity.
Equally important is the establishment of confined environments in all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to restrict the movement of cattle into people’s farms. This measure is crucial in preventing the recurrent conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, which have not only led to the loss of lives but also to significant agricultural setbacks.
As we call for these actions, it is essential to recognize that the strength of a nation lies in its ability to provide for its citizens. The current situation presents an opportunity for the Nigerian government to reaffirm its commitment to the welfare of its people. By taking decisive steps to boost food production and fulfill its promises to mitigate the impact of economic policies, the government can begin to restore hope and demonstrate a genuine concern for the well-being of Nigerians.
The path to recovery may be long and fraught with challenges, but it is through collective resilience and strategic action that we can emerge stronger. Let this moment be a turning point, where we prioritize the urgent needs of the populace and work tirelessly to build a more prosperous and sustainable Nigeria for all.
The time to act is now. The people of Nigeria cannot afford to wait any longer for relief from the hardships they face daily. It is the responsibility of those in power to heed the call for action and take meaningful steps to alleviate the suffering of their citizens. Let us rise to the challenge and work together to navigate our way out of this crisis, towards a brighter and more hopeful future for Nigeria.
Emmanuel Odekina Iyede is an Environmental and ICT Consultant and writes from Abuja, Nigeria.