Nigeria in Crisis: Tinubu's Policies Fuel National Uproar

 

Under President Bola Tinubu, Nigerians are grappling with an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, marked by record-high food inflation of 40.87% in June 2024, severely impacting millions of households. The ongoing  'Days of Rage' protests not only highlight the dire issues of hunger and mismanagement but also reflect a growing national resolve to hold the government accountable for its failures.

Nigerians have been facing an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, but the situation has worsened under President Bola Tinubu, with skyrocketing food prices and petrol and electricity tariff hikes impoverishing the citizens further. The inflationary spiral, aggravated by structural inefficiencies and governmental decisions, has rendered basic necessities unaffordable for many. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that Nigeria's food inflation rate hit a record high of 40.87% in June 2024, marking an alarming rise in the cost of essential goods. This statistic is not just a number; it translates to real hardship for millions of Nigerians struggling to put food on the table.

The worsening economic conditions are compounded by policy missteps and the persistence of a bloated governmental structure. President Bola Tinubu's administration, which boasts a cabinet of 48 ministers, under-ministers, special advisers, and aides, has been criticized for its profligacy. This expansive and costly bureaucracy places a significant burden on Nigeria's lean treasury, a situation that common sense dictates should be rectified by streamlining and pruning unnecessary positions. Yet, in a move that defies economic logic, Tinubu recently established a Ministry of Livestock Development, further straining the nation's finances and highlighting a disregard for fiscal prudence.

The ramifications of these economic policies are felt acutely by the populace. According to the United Nations, 82 million Nigerians, approximately 64% of the country's population, may face hunger by 2030 unless substantial measures are taken to address climate change, pest infestations, and threats to agricultural productivity. The Boko Haram insurgency and rampant banditry have exacerbated insecurity in the North, preventing farmers from accessing their lands and contributing to the nation's food insecurity. These existential threats have intensified national angst, fueling protests against hunger and poor governance.

Historically, Nigeria has a robust tradition of civil society and pressure groups holding the government accountable. Notable examples include the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Association of Nigerian Students, and the Nigerian Medical Association, which have all stood against adverse laws and human rights violations. Figures like Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, Alao Aka-Bashorun, and Olisa Agbakoba led protests and legal challenges against governmental injustices. The #EndSARS protests of 2020, which began as peaceful demonstrations against police brutality, are a recent testament to this spirit. However, they turned violent due to attacks from hoodlums and military intervention, resulting in tragic incidents like the Lekki Tollgate shootings.

The current wave of protests, branded as 'Days of Rage' and organized by the "Take It Back Movement," commenced on August 1, 2024, exactly 1,380 days after the Lekki Tollgate incident. These protests aim to address the pressing issues of hunger and bad governance. The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise estimates that the economy could lose N400 billion daily due to these protests, underlining the severe impact on the nation's economic stability.

Despite government opposition, including warnings from Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume about potential hijacking by bandits, and the deployment of security forces nationwide, the protesters remain undeterred. The Federal Government's tactics to prevent the protests, such as emergency meetings with traditional rulers and Islamic clerics, signing the new Minimum Wage Act, and other concessions, highlight its awareness of the populace's discontent. However, these measures have not quelled the protesters' resolve.

Economic protests are not unique to Nigeria. In June 2023, young Kenyans protested against President William Ruto's proposed Finance Bill, which would have imposed additional taxes on essential goods and services. Similarly, South Africa witnessed protests against a new equity employment law enforcing racial quotas, which opposition parties argued discriminated against minorities. These instances illustrate a broader trend of public discontent with economic policies perceived as unfair or detrimental.

The cost of protests in Nigeria, both economically and socially, is immense. The 2020 #EndSARS protests resulted in an estimated N1.5 trillion economic loss over ten days, with significant damage to national assets and public infrastructure. The government's response to the recent protests reflects a failure to address the root causes of public discontent effectively.

President Tinubu's administration has asked for time, citing the inherited economic challenges. However, the juxtaposition of economic hardship with the luxury of a bloated government creates a perception of indifference and mismanagement. With Nigeria's national debt soaring to N121 trillion, the government's fiscal irresponsibility, exemplified by the purchase of new presidential jets and lavish official convoys, starkly contrasts with the austerity expected of its citizens.

To address the economic crisis, President Tinubu must implement pragmatic solutions. This includes enhancing security to allow farmers to return to their lands, thus mitigating food inflation. Adopting modern agricultural practices such as ranching instead of open livestock herding could also improve productivity. Furthermore, completing critical infrastructure projects and ensuring reliable electricity supply are essential for small and medium enterprises to thrive.

The bottom line is clear: the current economic turmoil in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu's administration necessitates urgent and effective policy reforms. Reducing government excess, improving security, and investing in agricultural and infrastructural development are vital steps towards alleviating the cost-of-living crisis and restoring public confidence. The government's ability to navigate these challenges will determine the nation's socio-economic stability in the years to come.