The current state of Nigeria’s economy is unbearable for many people. 300% price increase is abnormal, the highest anyone can remember in the history of the country.
The ever increasing fuel price, which in turn has led to an increase in transportation, the cost of goods is skyrocketing, high taxation and low wages has all but reduced the purchasing power of the average Nigerian, but when the citizens cry out, it seems the default response of the president is to share rice, which does not even reach the people that are really hungry.
When tired, frustrated, hungry and depressed masses take to the streets to protest the increasing hardship, as is their right under the constitution in a democracy, rather than address the valid concerns of the populace, the government would rather deploy police and other security agencies to harass and arrest peaceful protesters, and also resort to their usual method, which is the sharing of rice.
Nigerians are told that the country is broke, and that we should ensure the suffering and hardships for now, but the Bola Tinubu administration recently purchased another presidential jet, after appealing to the people to bear with the government, the presidency continues to indulge in luxurious spending at a time when millions of Nigerians are wallowing in abject poverty.
It is so sad that the government’s insensitive actions continue to provoke the people to anger. Nigerians have had no respite from significant and continuous price increases affecting all goods and services since President Bola Tinubu cancelled petrol subsidies in May 2023.
Over the past 15 months, Nigerians have endured a cost-of-living crisis. Food inflation surged to 40.9 per cent in June up from 25.3 per cent a year earlier as prices of staples become increasingly out of reach for households.
While the NNPC’s sudden upward price adjustment suggests that the petrol subsidy has been removed or reduced much more significantly, the Federal Government must prepare to intervene to cushion the inevitable fallout. This should go well beyond the tokenism associated with the distribution of so-called palliatives that never seem to reach the poor.
“Mr. President, Let the Poor Breathe”
As our nation grapples with the complexities of economic growth and development, it is imperative that we do not forget the most vulnerable members of our society. The poor and marginalized have been suffocating under the weight of inequality and neglect for far too long.
Mr. President, it is time to take action. The poor are not just statistics or headlines, but human beings who deserve to live with dignity and respect. They deserve access to basic necessities like good roads, water, affordable housing and healthcare.
Your administration has the power to make a difference. Implement policies that address income inequality, invest in education and job training programs, and protect the environment. Let us prioritize the needs of the many over the interests of the few.
Let the poor breathe, Mr. President. Let them live without fear of eviction, hunger, or exploitation. Let them thrive and reach their full potential. It is not funny out there, many Nigerians are living from hand to mouth, hungry, and increasingly unable to cope with the pressures of living in their own country, many Nigerians are living like refugees, broke, depressed, hungry, unable to afford food, shelter, and basic amenities. This is not the renewed hope you promised us, living in Nigeria presently is hell. You have the power to change the reality of millions of Nigerians, please don’t dash our hopes.
