The civic organization New Nigerian Voice has described the first year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a period marked by severe hardship and increasing health crises among Nigerians.
The group’s Executive Secretary, Omokehinde Agbedina disclosed this on Friday, urging Tinubu to recognize and address the harsh realities faced by Nigerians, highlighting the detrimental impact of recent governmental decisions.
Agbedina questioned the ethics of leaders who, despite being elected by the people, have implemented policies that exacerbate poverty and suffering.
“How can anyone with the faintest of conscience live a normal life with a reality whereby the same citizens who elected them as leaders are impoverished by decisions they took as leaders?” Agbedina asked.
The New Nigerian Voice pointed specifically to the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating exchange rate as critical decisions that have had grave economic repercussions.
The group urged the President to review and adjust these policies to protect the welfare of the populace, emphasizing that this is the essence of progressive governance.
“From all spheres of life—business, profession, or location in the country—the majority of Nigerians are passing through untold hardship,” the statement read.
In July 2023, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food insecurity, aiming to address the sharp rise in food prices.
This directive included the integration of food and water availability into the National Security Council’s agenda.
Despite these measures, the situation has deteriorated since the removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023, leading to a significant increase in the cost of living.
“The cost of living has more than doubled since the subsidy removal, making basic necessities, especially food, unaffordable for many.
Even the affluent are feeling the pinch, and food prices are projected to rise further in the coming months,” the group noted.
Citing data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the New Nigerian Voice highlighted that basic commodities such as sachet water, cheap noodles, and ‘Garri’ have become more expensive, while quantities have decreased.
This inflation extends to housing, where skyrocketing rents have left many tenants unable to pay, facing eviction often enforced by thuggish methods, particularly in Lagos.
The healthcare sector is also in crisis, with many Nigerians unable to afford basic medications and treatments.
The skyrocketing costs of drugs and medical services, exacerbated by economic instability, have left both low and relatively high-income earners struggling to access healthcare.
Hospitals, overwhelmed by rising operational costs, are increasingly unable to extend credit or defer payments, resulting in patients being neglected or turned away.
“Many are being weighed down by their sufferings, which is impacting their health.
Cases of high blood pressure and stress-induced illnesses are expected to rise, and tragically, some Nigerians are resorting to suicide to escape their hardships,” the statement warned.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
