Every New Year ushers new hopes, dreams and aspirations for people. For many Nigerians, 2024 was a year they wished had never existed because of the excruciating hardship they experienced.
In this report, some Nigerians gave suggestions to President Bola Tinubu on what he should do to take the country out of the woods in the New Year.
Tinubu should tackle hunger – Timothy Yahaya, Archbishop of the Anglican Communion; Kaduna
I want the government to address hunger. And I want to say this with every sense of respect, the amount of money I see being churned out in the name of agriculture in Nigeria, where is the money going? I think there should be a probe, there should be a serious investigation on all agencies of government that have to handle agriculture in this country. I am a farmer. By now, Nigeria should be exporting food more than exporting crude oil, but when these monies come out, where do they go? We need to ask this question because Nigerians are so hungry in a country where we can feed the whole of Africa. This is one area the government should look into.
In the second place, the prices of essential commodities are getting out of hand. Atimes, some of these things are gimmicks of fellow Nigerians. I want the government to look critically, the prices that our people are paying for goods and services. I don’t advocate price control, but let there be price reality, and not just be paying based on speculation. You cannot imagine that a price of a commodity in the morning is different in the afternoon and evening. The rate of inflation is unbelievable. So I think those who manage our economy must do something to curb inflation in 2025.
Government should tackle electricity, food, other challenges – Abdullazeez Suleiman, NEF spokesperson, Kaduna
One of the major issues that have plagued Nigeria in recent years is the lack of reliable electric power supply. The electricity grid is often unreliable and prone to frequent blackouts, which can disrupt daily activities and have a negative impact on businesses and industries. This has made it difficult for many Nigerians to access basic amenities and services, such as lighting, heating, and cooking. Without a consistent power supply, it is challenging for individuals and businesses to thrive and contribute to the economic development of the country.
Secondly, the education system in Nigeria has been struggling for years, with issues such as inadequate funding, lack of quality teachers, and poor infrastructure.
These challenges have only been exacerbated by the difficulties of the past year, making it even harder for students to access quality education. Many children in the Northern region, in particular, have been unable to attend school due to the security situation, further widening the educational gap in the country.
Housing is another area where Nigerians have faced significant challenges in 2024. The cost of housing has continued to rise, making it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to afford decent and adequate housing. Many people in the Northern region live in overcrowded and substandard housing conditions, which can have detrimental effects on their health and well-being. The lack of affordable housing options has forced many Nigerians into informal settlements and slums, further exacerbating the housing crisis in the country.
Transportation is yet another area that has been severely impacted by the hardships of the past year. The transportation infrastructure in Nigeria is inadequate and poorly maintained, leading to congested roads, long commutes, and unsafe travel conditions. Public transportation options are limited, making it difficult for people to get to work, school, and other essential services. The lack of reliable transportation options has hindered economic growth and development in the country, as businesses struggle to transport goods and services efficiently.
Food security is a critical issue that has been exacerbated by the hardships of 2024. Many Nigerians, especially in the Northern region, have struggled to access an adequate and nutritious diet due to factors, such as rising food prices, food shortages, and insecurity. The lack of food security has led to malnutrition and hunger in many communities, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. Addressing food security challenges is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of all Nigerians and for promoting overall economic development in the country.
For Nigeria to progress and thrive there must be a paradigm shift in the attitudes of those in leadership positions, and a genuine commitment to addressing the underlying issues that have perpetuated these hardships. Until then, it will be difficult to expect any significant improvements in the quality of life for Nigerians this year.
The president should reduce diesel price – Timi Frank Kekai, buisnessman; Yenagoa
The president should reduce the price of diesel.The high price of diesel affects the economy negatively more than the exchange rate and the price of petrol.
Four years ago, to bring a full load of truck to Yenagoa was N300,000, but today, to bring a full load of truck to Yenagoa is N1.2m. The simple reason for this increase in price of many things is because of diesel price. Four years ago, the price of diesel was less than N200, but today, the price of diesel is N1,200.
The trucks that carry the granites to any destination uses diesel, the quarries that crush the rocks use diesel. When I started this business, a ton of granites at the quarries was N2,500 but today, a ton of granites at the quarry is N11, 000 because the major cost of production, which is diesel, has gone up. Manufacturing companies use diesel for their production. Then the trucks that carry the goods to other points also use diesel.
The president should encourage export-oriented businesses – Ortamen Manz Denga, financial expert; Makurdi
The president should actively support export-oriented businesses, so we can earn foreign exchange and shore up our currency. Such support should be by way of improved infrastructure, financial assistance and tax-friendly policies.
In the second place, instead of increasing the size of government (like the 2025 budget suggests), the president should pursue PPP as a favourite model for projects execution. The ripple effects of only the above two would translate to unemployment reduction and improved standard of living for the citizenry.
Tinubu should address insecurity – CP Iorbee Ihagh (rtd.); Makurdi
What I want the president to do is security. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed chief security officers, he should order them to send out all the herdsmen terrorists in Nigeria who are killing and driving people from their communities. We have a lot of IDPs, we need them to go back to their ancestral homes so that we continue our farming activities to feed Nigerians. He needs to address insecurity.
Secondly, he has awarded contracts to construct a bridge across River Buruku, the roads from Yandev to Ugbema from Makurdi to Otukpo to 9th Mile in Enugu. That is good as they continue work on the projects in 2025. But we need him to tackle security because Nigeria is pregnant and it can deliver anytime. He should work closely with our Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia to bring down the insecurity in Benue State.
FG should reduce cost of living – Peter Ihejirika, journalist; Port Harcourt
President Bola Tinubu should ensure our legal tender, Naira, has value. Another concern is the president’s statement that subsidy is gone. This has not gone down well with the citizens. This year, the federal government should make Nigerians breathe by reducing the cost of living.
Tinubu should address hunger – Obinna Ebogidi, peace crusader; Port Harcourt
Two urgent issues demand immediate, bold intervention – widespread hunger and the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. The hunger crisis in the country is a glaring emergency that undermines both national stability and human dignity. With millions of Nigerians living below the poverty line, food insecurity has escalated to alarming levels. The government must immediately prioritise the implementation of a comprehensive agricultural reform strategy that focuses on boosting local food production, improving supply chains, and investing in rural infrastructure.
In addition, the administration must address the high inflation rate, particularly in food prices, through targeted interventions and subsidies. Without urgent action, the hunger crisis will continue to deepen, contributing to greater social unrest.
Tinubu should improve security – Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim, retired accountant; Lafia
President Tinubu should take decisive steps to improve security across the country. The government must focus on tackling insecurity head-on, particularly in rural areas where banditry and kidnapping persist.
President Tinubu should strengthen security apparatus and restore citizens’ confidence in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.
Tinubu should carry out reforms that will alleviate hardship – Donatus Nadi, newspaper publisher; Lafia
The president should concentrate on economic reforms that will alleviate hardship. The removal of subsidies and inflationary pressures has significantly strained the lives of ordinary Nigerians. I hope President Tinubu will implement policies that reduce the cost of living and create more employment opportunities this year.