Hello! Happy New Year to all Nigerians! The year 2023 has come to an end, and amidst the celebrations, Nigeria has been facing some challenges. These include double-digit inflation, a rising number of unemployed and underemployed individuals, an increase in out-of-school children, growing debt, insecurity, and slow GDP growth. The persistent inflation has also reduced the purchasing power of many Nigerians, leading to an increase in poverty. Despite the festivities, human security remains a concern in certain parts of the country.
By this unfortunate description, Nigeria continues to be one of the countries in Africa where all important indicators of development show an unacceptable decline. Additionally, all the socio-economic and political problems that were very noticeable in the 1990s have persisted until today.
Now that we have entered the New Year, I hope that the frustrations and uncertainties experienced in the past will be behind us.
Some political experts attribute the dire state of affairs in Nigeria to leadership characterised by widespread fraud, the exploitation of natural resources, the privatisation of state institutions, and the development of a corrupt economy. These observers argue that the country and its government institutions have become a platform for organised criminal activities.
While the economy is not meeting expectations, it is important for those in leadership positions to prioritise the well-being of over 200 million people and provide them with effective leadership. This article serves as a plea to individuals in positions of authority, whether in politics, the military, or business, to prioritise the upliftment of those under their care.
A few years ago, it was mentioned in this column that leadership involves the entirety of human capability in driving a process at different levels of society to provide convincing guidance to the followers. Leadership combines the concepts of power and critical decision-making to bring about positive change. However, what I have observed over several decades is that leaders come and go, often ignoring the problems they have created or inherited, while Nigeria remains unchanged as a less developed country.
As a sign of respect, I would like to raise a toast to all Nigerians, including my esteemed readers, for their endurance during the last year. Now that we have entered the New Year, I hope that the frustrations and uncertainties experienced in the past will be behind us. I am confident that we have learned valuable lessons from the economic challenges we faced, which will make us stronger and more resilient in the year 2024.
In 2024, amidst economic uncertainties persisting for over a decade, individuals, corporations, and governments face an opportune moment to set new goals. Despite this, a security crisis, exemplified by the “black Xmas” in Plateau State, continues. Public intellectuals debate whether the Plateau attack should be labeled terrorism, a herder-farmer clash, or a religious conflict. The unveiling of economic policies by governments is anticipated to provide clarity on managing these uncertainties.
It is important to remember that a nation cannot progress in a state of chaos. As I reflected on the events of the year 2023 during the festive season, I came to the conclusion that the nation had the potential to achieve more than it actually did.
A philosopher once shared with me that humility is a form of wisdom. It involves removing all barriers to clear thinking and recognizing who truly deserves credit and glory for our actions. In this case, should we credit the elected and appointed political office holders who passed the 2024 Budget on time, borrowed $2.25 billion from Afreximbank, increased electricity tariff despite inconsistent power supply, devalued the Naira, and raised the pump price of petrol amidst rising food inflation? Or should we appreciate those who contributed to the increasing number of poor people in Nigeria in 2023? The answer to this question is subjective and open to interpretation.
In the coming year, the success of Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries hinges on the nation’s actions. Maximising the abundance of oceans requires the nation’s readiness for necessary steps. The student loan programme holds promise for empowering tertiary students. A N1.0 trillion conditional transfer to 15 million households could notably alleviate poverty. To address flood and famine, consulting experts for specific action plans in the new year is advisable. The nation’s proactive efforts will determine the outcomes of these initiatives.
It is currently believed that Nigeria will continue to progress towards becoming a prosperous nation as long as our leaders remain dedicated to their development goals. As we enter the new year, I would like to extend my gratitude to all peace-loving Nigerians for their resilience and patience during these challenging times. With any luck, we can anticipate that the coming year will bring us great joy and the fulfilment of our dreams. Thank you.
