Life in Nigeria is no longer fun. It is biting hard on everyone and every aspect of daily living. The necessities have become an unaffordable luxury and this is very worrisome. It leaves me to ask–Will the suffering of Nigerians ever end? What actionable steps should the government implement? Can there ever be a light at the end of the tunnel?

I braced up in the afternoon of 20th July 2023 and went on the almost car-empty streets of Lagos because you can count the number of cars on some highways which have now been replaced with trekking individuals. I needed to get the opinion of some Nigerians and hear them share their experiences with me.&nbsp;

First of all, Nigerians are angry at this time so if you are trying to interview them you have to tread with caution before you end up with some blows on your face😂. I was lucky to approach some courteous individuals who were willing to talk to me about their ordeals.&nbsp;

Emeka, a civil servant, narrated how he had to trek from his office at the secretariat to get to where I saw him, which was quite a distance so he wouldn't spend much on transportation. He further stated that if he spent all the money on transportation what will he use to feed his family?

Kike an accountant with a private firm, lamented the recent hike in the cost of fuel, saying she just couldn't afford the lifestyle so she has decided to park her car at home and take public transport to get to her destination despite the inconvenience.

Hamad, who is a spare parts dealer, has decried low patronage. He lamented that people are not coming to repair their cars anymore because they no longer drive their cars and wouldn't need to service them or purchase spare parts. "The booming mechanic village is not as busy as it used to be," he said with a worried look on his face.

My neighbor Mr. Ataejit is considering canceling the admission of his two kids. They recently gained entry into a UK university and are supposed to resume in September of 2023. Why is a thing of joy that should be celebrated bringing despair to Mr Ataejits' household? I will gladly tell you, He has to grapple with the increase in dollar and pound rates which is not what he envisaged.

Guess what! Nigeria has happened to everyone despite their social standing. These ordeals have been recounted by individuals who have something to do, a means of livelihood, and are being paid either daily, weekly, or monthly. The question now is how are the unemployed coping. Those with no source of livelihood, how do they feed, and fend for themselves and their families? What is the government doing about the serious inflation in the prices of goods and services in Nigeria?

As the cost of living in Nigeria continues to rise, millions of citizens face dire economic hardships. Skyrocketing prices of essential goods and services, coupled with stagnant wages and limited job opportunities, have led to widespread suffering across the nation. To address this pressing issue and uplift the suffering of Nigerians, the government must take immediate and concrete actions.&nbsp;

This article outlines 7 actionable steps the government must take to relieve the suffering of Nigerians and mitigate the impact of the ongoing economic challenges.

As the transport situation is biting hard, the government in every state of the country should urgently release luxurious buses into the streets that will serve the citizens and ease the trekking pandemic. To encourage affordable transportation in general, incentives may be offered to help reduce the cost to the user, including free or discounted public transportation passes. The government can partner with the private sector by providing vehicles and handing the vehicles over to them to manage profitably. To avoid exorbitant charges to the public, the government should sign an agreement with the private firm on fixed charges to be applied which can only be reviewed jointly when necessary. I applaud some states that have started implementing affordable transportation. Well done.

Foster Job Creation and Entrepreneurship

Unemployment remains a significant contributor to the suffering of Nigerians. To combat this issue, the government must invest in job creation initiatives by partnering with the private sector that has the requisite experience in running such enterprise to build an oil refining or fertilizer producing company and making sure the private sector has greater shares to ensure the viability of the company. This will create job opportunities and promote entrepreneurship for Nigerians. Job creation initiatives can also be achieved through policies that encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing financial incentives, access to credit, and streamlined regulatory processes. By nurturing a thriving business ecosystem, more job opportunities will be generated, leading to reduced poverty and improved economic growth.

Increase and Implement Minimum Wage

It is not fair that everything is rising, the cost of living is rising at an alarming rate while salaries remain stagnant. With the recent price increase of fuel to N617.00 per litre, it is becoming very difficult for some families to feed twice a day. The price hikes are causing so much hardship for Nigerians. The government should please set the ball rolling on increasing the minimum wage and making sure all the states implement it as soon as possible to help alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

Implement Targeted Social Welfare Programs

The government should prioritize the implementation of well-targeted social welfare programs to provide essential assistance to the most vulnerable segments of society. This could include expanding cash transfer initiatives, food subsidies, and healthcare support for low-income families and individuals. By directly assisting those in need, the government can alleviate the immediate burden on the poorest citizens and offer a safety net during these challenging times.

Tackle Inflation and Monetary Policies

Inflation is a significant driver of the increasing cost of living. The government must work closely with the central bank to implement effective monetary policies aimed at controlling inflation rates. This might involve managing money supply, interest, and exchange rates to stabilize the economy. By keeping inflation in check, the cost of goods and services can be controlled, easing the financial burden on Nigerian households.

Enhance Agricultural Development and Food Security

Nigeria's economy has a strong agrarian foundation, and prioritizing agricultural development is crucial to ensure food security and reduce the impact of escalating foodstuff prices. The government should release grains and substantial amounts of foodstuff to different states for distribution at subsidized rates to crash the prices of foodstuff and make it readily affordable. The government should also invest in modern farming techniques, and irrigation infrastructure, and support the adoption of innovative technologies in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the promotion of value-added agricultural activities and better market access for farmers can improve their income levels and contribute to food security across the country.

Prioritize Investment in&nbsp;Infrastructure

Investing in infrastructural projects is vital to all the sectors and segments of the Nigerian economy to enhance the overall economic climate in Nigeria. Improved roads, energy supply, transportation systems, and communication networks will not only reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria but also attract local and foreign investments and boost economic growth. On energy, I believe the government should invest in renewable energy sources like solar energy and make it affordable for users to get. Yeah, I know we are in the rainy season but this country can get very hot. With the crisis at hand, getting solar energy is not a cheap alternative for the citizens. If the government can consider incentivizing renewable energy sources to help with the over-reliance on fuel, it will be a welcome development. Additionally, the creation of job opportunities in the construction, energy, transportation sector, and related industries will have a positive impact on unemployment and living conditions.

The increasing cost of living in Nigeria has led to significant suffering among its citizens. The Nigerian people cannot and will not manage hunger any longer. The government has the power to make a difference and put Nigeria on the world map again. If the 7 actionable steps the government must take to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians are implemented properly, it will set the nation on a path of sustainable economic growth and prosperity. These steps require coordination, political will, and dedication, but the long-term benefits for the people of Nigeria will be invaluable.

Nigerians are no longer smiling, thanks to the deplorable economic condition in the country right now. Find out the proactive steps the Government should take in setting the right systems in place to ease the suffering of Nigerians.


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