Nigeria at a Crossroads: Why we must unite against economic hardship, insecurity

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The state of our nation is a pressing concern. In recent times, we have witnessed an alarming escalation in inflation, soaring fuel prices, rampant insecurity, and an overall decline in the quality of life. These issues are not just economic statistics; they are the harsh realities faced daily by millions of Nigerians.

Families are struggling to put food on the table, workers are grappling with stagnant wages, and communities live in fear of violence and death. Yet, amidst this suffering, our government remains indifferent and careless. This moment demands that we, as citizens, rise and rethink our position in this unfolding crisis.

The sharp increase in the cost of living, exacerbated by skyrocketing fuel prices, has been a central issue in the ongoing economic crisis. As fuel prices rise, transportation costs soar, which in turn affects the price of goods and services across the country. This has pushed inflation to unprecedented levels, eroding the purchasing power of the average Nigerian. Many can no longer afford necessities like food, healthcare, and education. The nation is now in a state of complete chaos and we can no longer live.

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Yet, despite the government’s promises, the much-needed relief seems distant. The refusal to implement the N70,000 minimum wage increment amidst this economic hardship is not just a failure of policy; it is an act of callousness. How can a government that claims to represent the people allow millions to languish under such unbearable conditions? How do they turn away from the pains and suffering of the people completely? Where is the renewed hope they campaigned and danced about?

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The daily reports of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism have turned many parts of Nigeria into danger zones. Families are constantly afraid for their lives, and communities that once thrived now live in a state of perpetual fear. The government’s inadequate response to this growing insecurity further erodes trust in its ability to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Without security, there can be no real progress. Nigerians deserve to feel safe in their own country, but that right has been stripped away.

The government’s disregard for the welfare of its citizens has reached a point where silence is no longer an option. To remain passive in the face of such injustice is to endorse the suffering inflicted upon us. This is why it is time for Nigerians to uphold the office of the citizen and remind the leadership that this nation belongs to us.

Civil disobedience, a powerful form of non-violent resistance, is not just a strategy; it is a right enshrined in our democratic values. It is a tool for expressing our dissatisfaction with policies that degrade our humanity. We must make it clear to those in power that we will not accept the continuous neglect and exploitation of our people. Peaceful protests, strikes, and boycotts are essential ways to voice our discontent and demand accountability from those who govern.

If we continue to sit idly by, allowing the government to perpetuate this cycle of hardship and oppression, we risk undermining our democracy. A government that is unresponsive to its people’s needs is a government that does not serve the interests of the nation. Democracy thrives on active participation; it is a system where the voice of the people holds weight. If we fail to act, we lose that power, and with it, our chance to shape a future that reflects our hopes and aspirations.

This is a critical juncture in our nation and we must fight back. We must stun tribalism, political sentiments, and class differences that keep us apart.

Rather we should come together and fight for our nation. If we continue to sit and complain, we will only enable these satanic anti-people policies and actions of the government.

So I urge my fellow Nigerians that we arise and join the October 1st protest nationwide. It’s time to take it back and show the ruling class who this nation belongs to. It is our Nigeria and we must stop complaining and start acting.

By Oladimeji Animashaun

Animashaun is a philosopher, public speaker, author, and thinker. He can be reached on X via @Asiwaju_Botem01 or email via animashaunoladimeji1@gmail.com.