NIGERIA AT THE VERGE OF DOOM

 Nigeria is going through an undesirable fate and a terrible time that is leading to hunger,  economic retrogression, and despair because of sudden harsh policies incepted by the government. 

• Subsidy removal

• Naira float

• Increase in import duty on imported commodities

• Tax increment  

All these factors are leading to the unbearable fate of the masses.

Pensioners who retired are yet to be paid from March 2023 till date. This is outrageous and unpalatable for those who have served the nation for 35 years to be treated this way. Now. 

Getting their accrued right is not promising. Rather than failing to promise them every time. How would they be surviving despite the hike in staples foods, drugs, transportation etc

 

The price of all commodities rose to the tune of 100 per cent, which is too high for average Nigerians to cope with. The masses have always been urged to make sacrifices whenever a policy dwindles the economy, while our political leaders keep leaving large without them making any sacrifices as they always pronounced. The truth must be told, the masses are not happy and cannot endure the suffering any longer. The wealth of this country belongs to all of us, but the few enjoy it over time while others are categorised as dependent. 

Hopelessness is what we face!

The unity that binds us together as a nation is getting to fail gradually...

Treating the masses through hardship and unemployment become the norm. Hmmm! What a nefarious leader we have, can't they have a rethink for once? Can't our leaders leave a legacy for posterity's sake? 

The masses kept sacrificing right from the onset, but our leaders, right from the federal level to the local level, kept beating the "drum of I don't care" because they got virtually all that they wanted. The country's corruption level cannot be right home. One tenure to another kept promising a good life, but they all failed us. This is very sad! Enough of all these fail promising. Dear friends, do you think we can continue this way? Let's ask ourselves this question: since we were born, what have we enjoyed and benefited from the sustainable government? 

The masses cannot afford three square meals; this is the reality; you might not know because you eat what you want and live the life you desire, so the yelling of the masses does not sound reasonable to your hearing. 

Do you think you can continue to exploit us and abuse us this way and think the blood of the masses will not ask for revenge? The children cannot eat a balanced diet because of this economic instability. Yes, sir, your policy is killing us; people have begun to check your claimed good intentions. Is it the so-called cabals threatening the progress of this country? Why can't they be apprehended and prosecuted? Are they higher than the country or above the law?

A praying and blessed nation like ours is still experiencing the life of a beggar. It shows that something is wrong with us; the love that is supposed to bind us is dividing us because of our political ignorance, tribal sentiment, and religious misconception. 

We have to wake up as a country and do what is needed; other countries are watching us carefully. We must work on our system of government and make our laws effective without being compromised anymore. Our political leaders should be cautious and sense the doom that may befall the nation. 

Naira float

Japa syndrome

Subsidy removal

Import duty

FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL

The fuel subsidy removal sent the prices of commodities, especially food, skyrocketing due to an increase in the price of logistics, running costs for alternative energy for businesses and reduced disposable income.  

 

The subsidy removal crippled the spending power of individuals and companies in June 2023. The index highlighted that Nigerians spent N3.05 trillion less on food and other household consumption in the first half of 2023. Since the fuel subsidy removal, the price of commodities has continued to rise. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rose to 31.70 per cent in February 2024 from 29.90 per cent in January 2024. 

JAPA SYNDROME

The word ‘Japa’ has become a household name, especially among young Nigerians at home and abroad. Japa is a slang derived from the Yoruba language (spoken in South-West Nigeria), which simply means to run swiftly out of a difficult situation. Interestingly, this word is now widely adopted when referring to one migrating from Nigeria to another part of the world.

The Impact on Nigerian Talent

• Loss of professional

• Crippled industry growth

• Peer pressure and adverse consequences 

NAIRA FLOAT

Indeed, floating the naira has hurt the Nigerian economy in many ways. It has led to inflation, made businesses less competitive, and deterred foreign investment. Instead of continuing with this policy, the Nigerian government should consider alternative strategies to promote economic growth and stability.

A lot has gone wrong since the inception of this current administration, and Nigerians are dying silently. Who will help us from this economic mess? 

What is happening to us as a nation? 

Where are we heading too?

Is this a national course? 

Instead of our ethnicity, and large population to be our advantage is rather a disadvantage to us. 

There are some facts and escapes to this, I am sure of that. Having a lasting solution discussion can put an end to our plight. We are a concerned citizen of this nation, so let's, in our little way, contribute to the growth of our dear country. 

 Afolayan Gbenga