As Nigeria approaches the brink of restorative protests, its future remains most uncertain. The planned protests on October 1, dubbed #FearlessInOctober serves as a reminder of the stark socio economic challenges facing the nation.
In a worrisome turn of events, available statistics reveal that 133 million people live within the dimensions of poverty in Nigeria, nearly depicting the 65 percent poverty level witnessed in the North.
The economy of Nigeria is weak owing to factors such as depreciation of the naira, increasing costs of food and energy, and high levels of unemployment. The elimination of petrol subsidies in 2023 together with naira exchange rate mergers threw seven million more individuals below the poverty line. People’s frustrations have increased with government inertia.
Still echoes the protest of August, and what remains of the Nigerians is the after effect of a collapsed government. The rates increased by the Central Bank keeps crippling the markets while petrol prices are left to climb up the skies.
The Dangote refinery has turned out to be a phantom and the NNPC’s initiatives have exposed a corrupting disease of favouritism that has been weaponized against the country.
On the other hand, the electricity tariff creates a hierarchy among the rich and the poor with quite a number of people failing to survive. With schools reopening their doors once more, students are left in limbo due to the rampant inflation experienced with the offing of vacation and the curdling family and fuel costs.
The plain fact is that, tomorrow too will come with an increase, in either petrol or gas.
In an administration like this, the future is all too certain. Everyone knows what tomorrow holds: another day of skyrocketing petrol or gas prices.
Kudos to our leaders; they deserve heartfelt accolades for their remarkable achievement in perpetuating suffering. However, protesters will march in good faith, urging leaders to prioritize human lives and establish a functional structure for survival.
The role of the international community is very paramount. Will they act upon Nigeria’s governance and ensure the needed reforms are made or will they keep quiet? International organizations such as the UN, the EU, and the AU have a duty in ensuring that Nigeria’s officials are accountable.
Nigeria is at a crossroads and firm measures need to be put in place. This involves economic restructuring and alleviating the poverty problem.
