2023, an election year with all its controversies, was characterised by untold hardship for millions of Nigerians due to the high cost of essential commodities. Government should make more concerted effort this year to fashion out policies that would help alleviate the untold hardship that majority of Nigerians are going through.
The increase in the pump price of petroleum products and the drastic loss in the value of the naira, among other factors, have grossly affected the purchasing power of most Nigerians and they are finding it difficult to keep their heads above water. This along with the insecurity in the country has led many of the best brains to migrate to other countries. Those of us who remain are struggling to breathe, as they say. This is unacceptable.
As we experience 2024, I call on government, at all levels, to focus on economic policies that would help to rejig the economy and bring solace to the impoverished masses. Government must listen to the cries of poor Nigerians. If President Tinubu wishes to write his name in gold, he must begin from now to use all resources available, human, and material, and not allow politics and political expediency to stand in the way of common good and the welfare of the majority.
All that Nigerians ask for is working out policies that would bring down the high cost of foodstuff, reduce transportation costs, and provide gainful employment for the jobless, especially the youths.” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the States’ Governors, and members of the National and State Houses of Assembly should take the lead in making the sacrifices they expect of the people by reducing the cost of governance and the many travels that do not bring much good to the day-to-day life of the people.
Cases in point, are the number of vehicles being purchased for government officials by the National Assembly and Executive arms of government. Nonetheless, I urge all Nigerians to cooperate with their leaders to ensure peace and economic stability in the New Year, as I once again appeal to government to urgently address lingering wage-related issues that concern Nigerian workers, particularly Resident Doctors, and University lecturers, among several others.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
