Today Nigerians join the rest of the world to welcome a new year, 2024. But as they do so, it is almost certain many could not wait to see the end of 2023. Indeed, it is not an understatement to say that many are praying not to see a repeat of the previous year because of its many challenges.
Nigerians went into 2023 with the economic challenges thrown in the previous year by a crude government policy of naira redesign introduced by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The result of the policy was acute shortage of the currency, leading to many people sleeping at banks while many lost their livelihoods as their businesses collapsed. Some even lost their lives as a result.
Then came the elections, which were just as credible as previously recent ones, as many big names in politics lost their seats or their states to opposing candidates or parties. Unfortunately, the elections still got mired in controversies that are only now quietening down. But just when Nigerians were hoping for a sign of relief with the advent of the new government of President Bola Tinubu, the agony of Nigerians heightened with the twin policies of subsidy removal and the merging of the foreign exchange market. These led to skyrocketing and unbearable cost of living for millions of Nigerians. The prices of goods and services, especially transport and food items, have gone beyond the reach of the average Nigerian as inflation hits a 20-year high; and indications are that things may get worse. One can only imagine the future of a country which more than half of its population is officially termed as poor.
On top of all these, Nigerians are also still grappling with a deteriorating security situation across the country. Reports of kidnapping, robberies, ritual killings and terror attacks were daily in the news. Many were forced to leave their domains and become refugees in their own country. Indeed, for many Nigerians reports of extra judicial killings by state and non-state actors have become normal. This is made worse by the fact that the security agencies, tasked with the protection of lives and property seem to be overwhelmed.
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The global situation is not much better. Wars still linger in Sudan, Ukraine/Russia and Gaza, leading to deaths and destruction. Military coups and governments are resurfacing across Africa, increasing worries about the future of democracy and elected leadership on the continent. The world is still being faced with the threat of climate change with its devastating effect. Much more worrying is the fact that the United Nations, which hitherto was seen as a moderating organ, has lost its influence as the world edges faster into unilateral chaos.
However, it was not all gloom for Nigeria in 2023. The country had recorded some positive incidents. We witnessed the inauguration of Dangote Refinery, which just last month received two million barrels of crude oil in readiness of starting its operations. Similarly, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd also announced that its refinery in Port Harcourt will soon resume operation following turnaround maintenance. These developments are expected to bring down the price of petroleum products in the country, and hopefully help reduce inflation in the short term.
Similarly, the nation was able to elect new leaders without much rancour against the prediction of some naysayers. In sports, the nation’s sports men and women won international laurels and trophies, for self and country. Our artistes also stood out in the world arena as some of them featured at international events including the coronation of the British monarch, King Charles.
We at Daily Trust believe that all hope is not lost as Nigerians have the capacity and resilience to change the situation at home. It is clear that most of our problems are self-inflicted which with determination we could surmount. This can, however, only be achieved if each of us reflects on what we can give the nation. Much of Nigeria’s problem is the belief that only the leadership has the responsibility to move the country forward. It is our conviction that as individuals, every Nigerian has a duty to their country which they must strive to do.
The myriads of problems facing our country are largely the result of our failure to fulfill our role as voters, parents, workers, artisans and members of our respective communities. Many Nigerians will rather cut corners than follow due process in offices, markets, highways and courts. We strongly urge Nigerians to use the new year to resolve to be patriots who put our nation before anything. Other nations whose progress we admire were able to achieve this due to the patriotism of their citizens.
We must all change our attitudes for the better towards our dear country and fellow citizens for the benefit of today and future generations. Together we can realise the Nigeria of our dreams. Daily Trust wishes every Nigerian a happy and prosperous 2024.
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