Struggling to Survive: The Economic Hardship in Nigeria
A Voice of the Common Man
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing to express my concern about the economy, my family, and the plight of the average Nigerian who can't afford basic necessities like tomatoes at two thousand naira for three pieces or a cup of rice at four hundred naira. At over 40 years old, I feel compelled to share my experience as an average family struggling through these hard times. While I do not expect immediate action, I hope you will listen to our struggles. This Salah, many families sleep without food, and many will celebrate without adequate meals. It’s becoming unbearable for countless Nigerians who believe in your promises.
My name is Adeola Musa Okoye. I am a writer and businessman, yet I cannot cover my expenses despite many years in business. My wife, a graduate, manages our store. Although I recognize that previous Presidents made it challenging for you to manage the economy, we need to see progress within a year. We struggle to survive week to week, to afford our basic needs, and to keep our struggles private. Your Excellency, can’t you address the excessive salaries and bonuses politicians receive without justifying their positions? I don't think you fully grasp the hardships we face.
When we tried to borrow from our bank, we were essentially told it was too late. Thus, we struggle to afford common items like food, and we are burdened with a microfinance loan we can barely repay. This June, we face uncertainty about our survival, with rent nearly doubling. Despite reconciling our marriage, the financial strain has only increased. We believed in your plans to reduce suffering and debt, but we’ve since received countless judgmental calls and messages, further ruining our lives. We see no future, only insured income. How are we supposed to pay our rent or taxes with no jobs to support us? Unemployment is too high, and we can’t reduce our cost of living any further. Unlike some foreigners, we don't have unemployment benefits.
Many who voted for you are now disillusioned, but I still have faith that you will turn things around. Meanwhile, we may have to abandon our home to alleviate the stress of paying for it. I’m also trying to go back to school online to improve my situation and my family's future.
My daughter Zainab bears the brunt of this stress. At seven years old, she helps my wife with the store while also struggling with her online schooling. After over a year in office, what can you do to help us, the average Nigerian family, to get back on our feet and live our lives as your campaign promises? It's ungodly to feel like we are constantly struggling. You claimed to understand our pains, but how will you help us? Government workers and politicians receive bonuses for their work, while we, who work for them, get nothing but struggle. We are the ones who face homelessness, the ones you refer to when you say Nigeria is struggling, yet we see no relief. Why should the unemployed pay for their survival? We didn’t ask for this situation.
I am a frustrated Nigerian losing faith in you, but I don’t want to. When we voted for you, we believed you would make changes to help us—the average middle class. Yet, it seems only the upper class thrives while we continue to struggle. It’s not fair. The honest middle class is suffering. We never asked for this. I don’t expect anything from this letter, but I hope you can empathize with our plight. Every day, I watch my family fall apart, worried about losing everything I’ve worked for. Yes, the economy is bad, but this is heartbreaking.
Nigeria's economy has been struggling for years, and the impact on the average Nigerian has been devastating. High inflation, unemployment, and the devaluation of the naira have made it difficult for families to make ends meet. Many Nigerians, like Adeola Musa Okoye, are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities like food and housing.
Inflation has been a significant issue in Nigeria, with food prices skyrocketing. Basic food items like tomatoes and rice have become luxuries that many Nigerians can no longer afford. The price of tomatoes has risen to two thousand naira for three pieces, and a cup of rice costs Seven hundred naira. These prices are simply unaffordable for the average Nigerian family, who often struggle to put food on the table.
Unemployment and underemployment are also major concerns in Nigeria. Many educated Nigerians, like Adeola's wife, who manages a store despite being a graduate, are unable to find jobs that match their qualifications. This has led to a significant underutilization of the country's human resources, further exacerbating the economic hardship faced by many families.
The cost of housing has also increased dramatically, with rents rising by nearly 200%. Many families, including Adeola's, are struggling to pay their rent and are at risk of becoming homeless. This situation is made worse by the lack of financial support from banks and other lending institutions, which are often unwilling to provide loans to those in need.
Many Nigerians have turned to microfinance loans to make ends meet, but the high interest rates and short repayment periods have only added to their financial strain. Adeola and his family are struggling to pay off their microfinance loan, on top of other debts accumulated over the years. The financial pressure is taking a toll on their mental and emotional well-being, and they are finding it difficult to see a way out of their predicament.
While the government has made promises to improve the economy and reduce suffering, many Nigerians feel that these promises have not been fulfilled. The disparity between the wealthy elite, who continue to thrive, and the struggling middle class and poor, is becoming more pronounced. This has led to growing disillusionment and frustration among the population, who feel that their concerns are not being heard or addressed.
The economic hardship in Nigeria is not just about numbers and statistics; it is about real people and their daily struggles. Families like Adeola's are bearing the brunt of the country's economic challenges. The stress and anxiety of not being able to provide for their loved ones are taking a heavy toll on their physical and mental health. Children, like Adeola's daughter Zainab, are also affected, as they are forced to grow up in an environment of constant financial instability and uncertainty.
The economic hardship in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires urgent attention and action. While there are no easy solutions, it is essential for the government to address the root causes of the problem and implement policies that will provide relief to those who are struggling the most. This includes controlling inflation, creating job opportunities, providing financial support to small businesses, and ensuring that the voices of the average Nigerian are heard and taken into account.
Adeola Musa Okoye's heartfelt letter is a powerful reminder of the human impact of economic hardship. It is a call to action for the government and all stakeholders to come together and work towards creating a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria for all its citizens. Nigeria will be great again.
Written Daniel Okonkwo for profile International Human Rights Advocate.
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