Nigeria may possibly not survive this economic crunch for a very long time if this government in particular fail to do something essentially important to save it from the disaster it is approaching. It is all about the management of the country’s economy. It is the poor management of the economy that has impoverished the lives of millions of Nigerians, killed businesses and made the country worthless before the comity of nations. Nigeria has all it takes to be a paradise on earth if only its leaders decide to be faithful, loyal and honest. There is no proper organization of the system, no law and order, no sanity, no discipline and good orientation for the masses.
Most citizens of this great country lack true nationalism and patriotism. Not any fault of theirs because the leaders over the years had introduced and sustained a weak and corrupt system. We have been wired towards greed, and narrow interest first and above the country. Since this government was sworn into power, the country has sunk the people further into economic hardship and deprivation. It does not matter who, which religion, ethnic group or political party that is at the helm of affairs, the same old story continues.
The country shines brighter in backwardness. Development eludes us. The citizen’s hope and aspirations are dashed. The socio-economic condition of the country is completely battered and rendered comatose. Things have really fallen apart and the centre can no longer hold. The hunger and impoverishment is now at an alarming rate.
Since independence, we have had different governments with promises of a better governance. None has improved the living conditions of the people rather they become worse than the previous. Despite every government’s promise of making life worthy of living, providing good governance and solving the economic quagmire, Nigerians are made to face more socio-economic pain.
The government after government are experts at entrenching more hardship and suffering, they create hopeless economic climate that makes lives of our people miserable. Looting and milking of the treasury becomes paramount feature of every government in power. They ensure that they and their cronies are in control of the treasury. The big contracts are reserved for them. Manipulating the system, administration and law, the electoral body remains a special interest of any government in power.
Nigeria cannot remain peaceful, united and thriving economically when every market price of essential commodities keep rising hourly. The masses of this country are in a state of confusion, pain and sorrow. They are dejected, abandoned, disillusioned, and hopeless. They are hungry and starving because they have no purchasing power to contest the near-death rising cost of drugs and food items. The leaders elected by the people are living in opulence and avarice. They are simply not living with the people. They have deliberately erected a big and wide gully separating themselves from the governed. The leaders do not care, they can die for all they care.
The political leaders do not depend on the people’s votes. So, in 2027 elections they shall return. After all, there is no real election here. In other climes, food and drug prices are not a joker for any government. They ensure there is enough food and drugs for the teeming population. This is to control hunger, sickness, disease and crime. The renewed hope of Mr. President has not renewed the lives of Nigerians nor, has it gingered the economy. The renewed hope has only brought poverty, misery, hardship and difficulty on citizens. Every sector of the economy is in shambles.
The state of insecurity is alarming. In a country where bandits have openly declared that farmers must not go to their farms and the federal government and security agencies are doing nothing is appalling, disturbing and dangerous. Today, Nigerian farmers cannot access their farmlands either to harvest or plant except they have what it takes to appease the bandits. No sane country would accept such. One wonders why the Nigerian military have not been dispatched to the forests to comb for these bandits and get them flushed out. Countries have done it, why is it difficult here? Until the military takes the war to the bandits in their fortress to dismantle their nest, plots and attacks on the people, so long prices of food items would continue to surge thereby, inviting anarchy and calamity.
It is shameful and sad that till date Nigeria has not successfully dismantled banditry in this country. Very shameful! The bandits have come to understand the country’s weakness and will continuously utilize it until the government launches an all-out campaign against them. The President and his Service Chiefs must reorganize, re-strategize and save this country from doom and eventual ruin. A country with a government cannot be allowed to be under the control of few criminal elements. We either summon up the courage to battle the bull or head to the precipice.
Mr. President must quickly address the organized labour demand for an increment in minimum wage. The government’s N62,000 proposal is ridiculous in the present economy. It is the high cost of things that has necessitated the demand for increase in wages. If President Tinubu can squarely approach the economy without minding whose ox is gored, reduce the waste in government expenses to save for massive investment in the economy, the better for the country. Many homes no longer eat three meals per day and do not eat nourishing foods either.
The incessant collapse of our national grid and poor electricity supply is not only embarrassing but harmful to the country’s economy. No nation thrives in poor power supply. Most businesses, public or private depend on power to function. It has become a curse, disgraceful that none of our refineries are working. Nigeria, a country with large quantity of crude with about four refineries cannot refine a litre of petrol for its local use. It is indeed a tragedy!
It is no rocket science for these sectors to be up and doing. The function of these sectors will aid the speedy growth and development of the country’s economy. The government must work assiduously to bring back our dying economy. It is the determination and sincerity of the government that will do it. President Tinubu is in his second year of four years. There is no doubt that 2025 – 2027 will be more of politicking for his second term, which pushes administration and development to take backstage. That is the way it has been since 1999 in Nigeria. He can still rejig the economy between now and 2025.
God Bless Nigeria!
Uzodinma Nwaogbe
