The Street is Not Smiling

By Yomi Benson

As a staunch supporter of the Tinubu administration, I am deeply committed to seeing our beloved Nigeria thrive under its leadership. The recent economic indices have shown promising signs of growth and potential, yet the realities on the streets tell a different story. The high cost of food and living conditions has left many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet, primarily driven by the increase in petroleum costs following the removal of government subsidies.

This situation poses a significant challenge but also presents an opportunity for the Tinubu government to take decisive action that will not only stabilize the economy but also improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.

The removal of fuel subsidies, a necessary step for long-term economic stability, has had immediate and painful consequences for the average Nigerian. The ripple effect has seen food prices soar, transportation costs escalate, and general living expenses rise. Despite the positive economic indicators, the daily lives of Nigerians have become increasingly difficult.

To address these challenges, the Tinubu administration has implemented some comprehensive measures that can alleviate immediate hardships while setting the foundation for sustainable economic growth through the following ongoing programs:

On Food Security, the government currently provides subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, and farming equipment to reduce production costs for farmers, which will in turn lower food prices.

Investment in infrastructure ensures efficient transportation and storage of agricultural produce, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring a stable food supply.

Social Welfare Programs provide direct funding and support to the most vulnerable populations, ensuring they have access to basic necessities. Direct cash transfers to low-income families provide immediate relief and stimulate local economies.

Deregulation of the electricity sector and investment in renewable energy projects through CNG programs reduce reliance on petroleum and stabilize energy costs.

Despite these initiatives, the impact on the street and the middle class remains minimal. If an election were held today, the probability of a loss would be high due to widespread hunger. The reality is, you cannot lead hungry people and expect success.

However the administration has the potential to turn these challenges into opportunities for transformative change. Here are two critical steps:

Reevaluate Fuel Subsidy: The increase in fuel prices has had the greatest impact on the common man. Consider revisiting the subsidy to provide immediate relief. Though I supported this at the onset, I am beginning to feel differently. Fuel is the only subsidy that benefits both the rich and poor without any pressure. Its impact on inflation is direct and instant. Plus, the government now has data on exact needs and can clamp down on smuggling and inflated supply requests that used to distort supply.

Ensure Effective Implementation of Welfare Programs: Money and initiatives aimed at alleviating suffering must reach the people. Enforce strict accountability measures for officials to ensure funds and resources are effectively distributed. Swift justice for non-performing officials could deter others from not performing optimally.

It is also crucial for the government to communicate its efforts clearly to the public. Regular updates on economic progress and the impact of government measures in plain street language will build trust and confidence. A dedicated fund for information dissemination can help ensure that the public understands the government’s actions and intentions.

As supporters, we must advocate for these necessary changes and stand by our leaders as they take the courageous steps needed to secure a brighter future. The streets may not be smiling today, but with decisive action, we can bring hope and prosperity back to the lives of our people.

Finally, it is extremely important that the government deliberately creates enough funds for information dissemination in a way that the man on the street can understand what the government is doing. Renomokri alone has done more for this government in this aspect than what the Ministry of Information has done.

We must maintain open channels of communication with the public, explaining the rationale behind policy decisions and outlining the steps being taken to mitigate their impact in layman’s language. Providing regular updates on economic progress and the impact of government measures builds trust and confidence among the populace.

There must be a change in information dissemination, and I can be a good resource because we must make this country work and ensure its greatness.

Yomi Benson
Image Maker and Native Communications Consultant