Nigeria @ 65: FCT residents seek friendly economic policies
Nigeria @ 65: FCT residents seek friendly economic policies
A cross section of residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to the Federal Government to implement people oriented policies that will alleviate economic hardship in the country.
They made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the 65th Independence anniversary celebrations of the country.
VMT NEWS reports the independence anniversary with the theme, “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation’’ is featuring a blend of religious, civic and cultural activities including the independence day parade across the states on Oct.1.
Speaking on the anniversary, the residents called on the Federal Government to proffer lasting solutions to the hardship brought about by the economic reforms initiated by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
They urged the government to look into various sectors of the economy and initiate policies and programmes that would ease their sufferings.
Alh. Ibrahim Musa, a businessman in Bwari, said that the two pronged policies of fuel subsidy removal and unification of foreign exchange window, introduced by President Tinubu on assumption of office, have taken tolls on businesses and livelihood.
Musa said the policies brought about economic hardship with crumbling impacts on small businesses like his own, which is struggling to stay afloat.
According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy, in particular, had led to high transportation costs, causing daily price hikes for commodities.
“Both traders and consumers are struggling to cope. Even my business, which once thrived, is no longer booming.
”Sometimes, I sell goods below their cost prices just to break even and feed my family. If things continue like this, I’ll eventually go out of business.
“A country with rich natural resources as Nigeria shouldn’t be plagued by hunger. We have everything needed to feed ourselves. Our biggest problem is corruption and bad policies.
Mr Charles Ibe, a lecturer, emphasised the need for the government to diversify the economy beyond the oil sector.,
According to him, oil dependent economy is no longer sustainable, the government must explore other areas, such as agriculture, mining, tourism to boost the economy.
Ibe noted that fuel subsidy removal was well intended, but the effects had worsened the country’s economic situation and increased poverty rate.
He said the excess funds accruing from the removal of subsidy should be plowed to visible infrastructure development and poverty alleviating programmes
“Most of our infrastructure, including roads, public schools and hospitals, require urgent attention.
“Celebrating 65 years of independence while key sectors struggle is hollow.
”Nigeria has immense potential for greatness, with abundant mineral resources, fertile soil for agriculture, and favourable weather.
”These resources should be harnessed to improve citizens’ lives. Given our wealth, no Nigerian should live in poverty.
“However, corruption has reduced many Nigerians to beggars in their own country,” he said.
Mr Stanley Osho, a civil servant in Gwagwalada said that an average civil servant could not afford a decent accommodation as the cost of house rent continue to skyrocket.
Osho said that the 65th independence anniversary would have been a big celebration for Nigerians ‘if things are looking up for the country’..
“The incessant increase in house rent is a serious concern to many civil servants.
“Most of us with families, cannot afford a decent two bedroom flat in the suburbs, talk more of the city centre.
“What we are witnessing now in the FCT is civil servants relocating to areas with little or no infrastructure and security just to cut cost,” he said.
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Osho added: “It may also interest you to know that most civil servants go to their offices twice or thrice in a week now because of the high cost of transportation.
“All these are having devastating consequences on productivity and the economy,” he said
Osho urged the government to regulate house rents and provide affordable public transportation system to make life bearable for the ordinary citizens.
Mr Chinedu Okafor, a teacher in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said, while democracy has given Nigerians freedom of expression and participation, poor governance has hindered development.
He emphasised the need for urgent reforms in the power sector, citing the importance of a steady power supply in attracting investments and fostering business growth.
”Without reliable electricity, industries struggle to thrive and businesses can’t grow. The government must prioritise fixing the power sector,’ he stressed.”
Mrs Confidence Samuel, another civil servant, said workers are bearing the brunt of the current economic hardship, the more.
According to her, civil servants’ monthly salaries could barely cover their expenses for two weeks.
She said the N70,000 minimum wage is no longer sustainable with the economic realities and soaring cost of livin.
While calling for upward review of the minimum wage, Samuel also underscored the need for targeted government interventions to boost food production, stabilise prices, and make basic amenities more affordable
Some residents, however, expressed the optimism that things would improve and Nigeria would be great again
Mr Akpoko Uloko, a civil servant, said that Nigeria’s independence holds great significance for him, stressing that over the years, the country has made notable progress in various sectors.
According to him, although, the economy has not reached its full potential, significance progress is being made.
Mr James Adeyemi, a Cleric in Bwari, said Nigeria’s independence is worth celebrating, notwithstanding the unfavourable economic realities
Adeyemi said that independence celebration is a reminder of the country’s freedom, hope, self-determination and opportunities ahead.
He urged citizens to foster unity and responsibility, while calling on leaders to demonstrate transparency and genuine commitment to addressing national challenges.
“With Divine guidance and effective leadership, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous nation,” he added.
No doubt, Nigerians are passing through the difficult time because of the reforms the Tinubu’s administration put in place.
Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), acknowledged this, even, on Monday, at a World Press Briefing to mark the 65th independence anniversary.
According to the SGF, the reforms, though tough, were necessary to stabilise the economy, restore investors’ confidence and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
He, however said that the country is witnessing positive results as Inflationary pressures are beginning to ease, foreign investment inflows have shown renewed interest, while job creation initiatives are expanding opportunities for the youths.
According to him, social intervention programmes are also being strengthened to cushion the effects of the reforms on the vulnerable.
Akume appealed to Nigerians in the spirit of celebration to remain resilient, united and committed to the ideals of peace and progress.
