Since the swearing-in of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023, succeeding the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the hopes of many Nigerians have been steadily declining.
The promises of change and prosperity seem distant, and the challenges facing the country continue to grow.
Nigeria, a nation blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including crude oil, gold, silver, water, limestone, and others, has not translated these resources into meaningful benefits for its people.
The average Nigerian remains unaware of the value of these resources, and despite the wealth under their feet, life for many is becoming increasingly unbearable.
The removal of fuel subsidies has hit Nigerians hard. As a result, the cost of living has skyrocketed, making daily survival a daunting task for millions.
Today, people in Nigeria live like shadows of themselves, burdened by the doubling of prices for almost every essential commodity.
The minimum wage stands at N70,000, but even that meager amount is not consistently paid by many state governors.
 How can a family survive on such a sum when inflation and the soaring cost of basic necessities are making life more difficult by the day?
Nigeria is in a dire situation, with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recently increasing the price of petrol to over N1,000 per liter.
 The federal government, alarmingly, claims to be unaware of this increase. If the government is not in control of such crucial matters, what does that mean for the citizens ? Have Nigerians become mere spectators, helplessly watching the decay of their country ? It feels as if the masses are being treated like animals, with no say in decisions that drastically affect their livelihoods.
 The current leadership has left many questioning their direction, and there is a growing belief that only divine intervention can save Nigerians from the despair inflicted by those in power.
Insecurity remains one of the most critical challenges in the country. Large regions, particularly the North East, North West, and South East, are gripped by violence and instability.
Despite numerous promises from the federal government to restore peace and security, the situation remains dire.
 Why has the insecurity persisted in these regions ? Why have the efforts to curb the violence not yielded the desired results ? While the government has repeatedly pledged to address these issues, there is little to show for it.
 Kidnappings, insurgencies, and banditry have become the norm, and the people living in these affected areas continue to suffer.
The poor masses in Nigeria are struggling to afford even one meal a day, let alone three. Life has become a nightmare for many, as they grapple with rising food prices, joblessness, and poverty.
The basic amenities that should be a given in any nation are luxuries in Nigeria. There is no reliable electricity, no clean water, no secure environment, no good roads, and no quality education for the average Nigerian.
It is as though the country is adrift, with leaders who seem disconnected from the reality faced by millions of their citizens.
People are forced to move through life as if they have no one to represent their interests in the halls of power.
So, what should Nigerians do ? How can we alleviate this widespread suffering ? It is clear that the government has failed in many aspects, and while it is important to hold leaders accountable, Nigerians must also seek solace in their faith. Muslims and Christians alike must unite and pray for divine intervention.
 Turning to God may provide the strength needed to endure these difficult times, as the political leadership has yet to offer any meaningful solutions to the country’s deepening woes.
The federal government must realize that Nigerians did not vote for more suffering. The people expected an end to the hardships they faced under the previous administration, yet they now find themselves enduring what feels like “season 2” of that same suffering.
It is crucial that the government reviews its decisions on oil prices and the broader economic policies that are negatively impacting the lives of everyday Nigerians.
Moreover, there is an urgent need for the government to reassess the security situation in both the northern and southern parts of the country.
If Nigeria is to remain stable and united, the issues of insecurity must be tackled head on.
 A nation cannot thrive if its people live in constant fear of violence and death. Nigeria’s leadership must prioritize peace, security, and the well-being of all its citizens.
Nigerians deserve a better life. They deserve leaders who care about their welfare and are committed to improving their living conditions.
The government must take concrete actions to ease the suffering of the people, or risk losing their faith altogether. The time for empty promises is over Nigerians need real change, and they need it now.
