President Tinubu, Many Nigerians Are Going To Bed On An Empty Stomach

BY ISAAC ASABOR *

Nigeria has recently experienced a deepening economic crisis, with many of its citizens struggling to make ends meet. Despite the promises of economic recovery and stability, the reality on the ground is quite different. The stark reality is that many Nigerians are going to bed hungry, calling into question the effectiveness of current economic policies and requiring immediate action from President Bola Tinubu and his administration.

The average Nigerian faces unprecedented challenges. The cost of living has risen dramatically, with inflation rates reaching alarming levels. Basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare have become increasingly expensive for the majority of the population. The recent removal of fuel subsidies, combined with a devalued naira, has exacerbated the situation, resulting in skyrocketing prices for goods and services. Many families now have to choose between a meal and other basic necessities.

The irony lies in Nigeria’s abundance of natural resources. However, these resources have not yielded tangible benefits for the average citizen. Instead, the wealth generated by oil and other sectors appears to be concentrated in the hands of a few, while the masses continue to suffer. The government has received significant loans from international institutions such as the World Bank and China, but these funds appear to have had little impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The same stories are told on the streets of Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities. Vendors complain about declining sales because people cannot afford to buy food in the quantities they once did. Mothers are forced to skip meals in order to feed their children, and hunger has become a daily occurrence in many rural areas.

A recent survey revealed the extent of the crisis. It revealed that a sizable proportion of Nigerians now live below the poverty line, with many struggling to afford even one meal per day. This is more than just an economic issue; it is a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate action.

During his campaign, President Tinubu made several promises to improve Nigerians’ living standards. He discussed economic reforms that would create jobs, stabilise the naira, and lower the cost of living. However, as his administration enters its first months in office, the question on everyone’s mind is: Where is the relief?

It is time for the government to shift its focus away from macroeconomic indicators and towards the micro-level realities that ordinary Nigerians face. Policies must be reevaluated and adjusted to meet the population’s urgent needs. While large-scale infrastructure projects and foreign investment are important, they should not come at the expense of people’s immediate needs. The government’s primary goal should be to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.

Furthermore, the country’s resources must be managed with greater transparency and accountability. The loans taken in the name of the Nigerian people should benefit everyone, not just a select few. To ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive benefits, poverty-reduction initiatives must be effectively implemented and closely monitored.

Also, social safety nets should be strengthened. The implementation of food programs, subsidies for essential goods, and targeted financial assistance can provide immediate relief to those most affected by current economic conditions. It is also critical to encourage agricultural development in order to increase food production and reduce reliance on imports, which have become increasingly costly.

The challenges are daunting, but not insurmountable. With the right policies and a genuine commitment to the well-being of all Nigerians, it is possible to reverse the tide. However, this necessitates bold leadership, a willingness to listen to the cries of the people, and the political will to make difficult choices.

President Tinubu, the time to act is now. Nigerians are resilient, but that does not imply that they can endure indefinite suffering. The promise of a better Nigeria must be fulfilled, and the first step is to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry. It is critical to the country’s future success.

*Mr. President, the people’s patience is wearing thin, so the time to act is now. Nigerians have been full of hope for a better tomorrow since your administration took office. They have endured hardship in the belief that your leadership will bring about much-needed change. However, the masses’ patience is finite, and it is becoming clear that their endurance is being tested to its limits.

Dear Mr. President, Nigeria is in the grip of an economic crisis that has left many Nigerians, including this writer, struggling to survive. The rising cost of living, fuelled by inflation, the elimination of fuel subsidies, and the depreciation of the naira, has made life unbearable for millions of people. The promises of a better life have yet to be fulfilled, and the people are losing faith in the government’s ability to alleviate their suffering.

In fact, the situation on the ground is dire. Families are struggling to put food on the table, and basic necessities have become luxuries. Transportation costs have doubled, if not tripled, since the removal of fuel subsidies, making it difficult for workers to commute to work. Small businesses, the economy’s backbone, are collapsing under the weight of high costs and lower consumer spending. The education system is in disarray, with students and teachers both struggling with inadequate resources and facilities.

Mr. President, the people have been patient enough to believe in your vision for a prosperous Nigeria. They have weathered the economic storm with the hope that help is on the way. But how long can they continue to wait? How much more suffering can they bear before losing hope?

Given the gravity of the situation, it is time to act decisively and implement concrete steps to alleviate people’s suffering. The current palliative measures, while well-intentioned, are inadequate. They barely scratch the surface of the country’s long-standing economic challenges. What is required is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the underlying causes of the economic downturn while providing immediate relief to those most impacted.

One such strategy could be to implement targeted subsidies for essential commodities such as food and transportation. These subsidies would help to mitigate the effects of rising prices on the most vulnerable segments of society. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to create jobs and stimulate economic growth by investing in critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. By creating an environment conducive to business growth, the government can help reduce unemployment and increase the purchasing power of the average Nigerian.

Furthermore, transparency and accountability must be the foundation of your administration. The people need to see that their leaders are concerned about their well-being and that public funds are being used responsibly. There should be a renewed emphasis on combating corruption to ensure that the nation’s resources are not syphoned off by a few at the expense of the many.

Mr. President, history will judge your administration based on the tangible improvements in people’s lives rather than the promises made. The time for rhetoric is over; what is required now is action. The people look to you for leadership, solutions, and hope.

Nigerians’ patience reflects their resilience and faith in your leadership. However, this patience is finite. The clock is ticking, and the window of opportunity to effect real change is closing. It is critical that you act quickly and decisively to alleviate the suffering of the people. It is critical to our great nation’s future.

Mr. President, the time to act is now. The people have been waiting long enough.