Last week, a father of four children lamented to me how things had become miserable for him due to the current economic situation. He told me how he barely performs his duties as a responsible father and husband to his household. He claimed that things were tight as his work was no longer booming and flourishing. He frankly told me that providing three square meals a day had become a mirage for his family due to the high cost of food items. This was the same ordeal shared with me by my mother, who sells clothing materials in a local market. She said things are tough and rough for her as she barely makes any sales these days. Aside from the fact that the price of a yard of material has gone up, she told me that many people are hungry and that only someone who has fed themselves enough would consider buying Aso Ebi.
Last Wednesday afternoon, I met a probably seven-year-old boy begging for money to eat. He approached me, but when I curiously asked about his parents, he responded that his single mother had gone out for some days because there was nothing to eat at home. I am also not free from this ugly situation. I have become a victim of hunger. Before, I could eat twice a day, but these days, I can only afford one square meal each day, no thanks to the high cost of living and harsh economy.
No doubt, the ravaging hunger in the land is making people angry at the government and its actions. Recently, residents in Niger, Kogi, Osun, and Kano states took over major roads in protest against the high costs of food items. Contrary to the ruling government’s assumption that the protests were politically motivated, the truth is that there is real hunger in the country, and the hardship is becoming unbearable. This is buttressed by the assertion made by the highly respected Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who told President Bola Tinubu that Nigerians were frustrated and angry over the level of suffering and impoverishment being experienced in the country. Perhaps those in power may not feel the impact of economic woes, but they can gather substantial information about the hardship from their distant relatives, staff, and sincere business associates. These people would provide them with a vivid picture of what the populace is going through on the streets. The people are choking, and we can barely breathe.
The prices of every commodity have skyrocketed in the markets, including sachets of water. The costs of goods and services have multiplied incredibly. Even fees for both private and public schools have been outrageously increased. Despite low usage, electricity bills have gone up. Medical drugs have become out of reach for the poor. The reality on the ground is very terrible, and the government should act assiduously!
I understand that some measures have been taken to alleviate the suffering, but how effective are they? From food palliatives to cash transfers, how has any of them positively mitigated the hardship? How many people can the government point to as having benefited from the policies? I am also aware that the government is considering opening the national food reserves to distribute food items. As good as it may sound as a short-term solution, it may not bring any comfort or relief to the people. The reason is obvious: How many people would the national food reserves serve? And what happened to previous palliatives? These are pertinent questions the government should address. In fact, our problem is not the supply; it is the purchasing power.
Since it may seem impossible for the government to fix prices for these essential items, it is expedient to opt for better alternatives. Alternatives like the provision of social amenities such as motorable roads, a free healthcare system, subsidies on stable electricity supply, and subsidised public transportation, along with basic and tertiary education. These are ameliorative strategies that can help mitigate the effects of this rising inflation on the citizenry.
Another way out is for the government to ensure prudent spending of public funds and cut down the cost of governance. Building official residences for the President and Vice-President at this trying time is rather wasteful. Such funds can be channelled to build world-class hospitals in the country or construct railways to improve the transportation system.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s economy is dwindling as a result of naira devaluation. Perhaps the growth of the naira is in the hands of everyone, especially those in government, by patronising Nigerian-made products. Rather than SUVs and Prado jeeps, why not consider Nigerian alternatives to strengthen the economy? Embracing the naira as a means of exchange should now be a topmost responsibility for every Nigerian.
- Damilare Adeleye writes from Lagos
