The Imperative Response to Letting Nigerians Breathe in the Face of Ineluctable Economy and Political Reforms: A Message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

In some of my past written articles, I have always maintained that to save Nigeria from total economy collapse, there is need for strategic total policy reforms. I hinted further that, it has to be done at once with a strong political will as it had happened in many developed countries.

Coincidentally and perhaps fortunately, the recent policy reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are towing towards my stated civil submissions but what is strangely missing is the supposed organized humanity response to cushion the inevitable effects on already suffocated Nigerian masses. We cannot plan to save a country and lackadaisically suffocate the people, at best, we must rescue the two entities from whatever collapse.

These are multidimensional issues and a multifaceted approach that takes into cognizance all perspectives and interests must be employed. Every important element such as Federal Government, State Governments, Local Governments, Federal and State Lawmakers, Notable individuals, NGOs, among others must be actively carried along in the rescue mission.

Businesses, households and individuals are under inflationary pressures due to the compounded economy reforms. Hardship has multiplied as cost of living has risen significantly. This is in addition to the already ill-favoured economy situation of the country before President Bola Tinubu took over.

Businesses are finding it very difficult to keep up with operations as consumers are cutting down expenses on especially non-essential products and services which has resulted in drastic drop in sales and profit margin despite increased running cost. If this continues, there maybe inescapable changes in business structure such as staff lay-off, many small businesses which are in large number and contribute largely to the Nigerian economy may pack-up. This will further impoverish the country and the people, high increased in unemployment and social vices.

Employees, especially low salary earners are finding it difficult to live as their salaries and wages have been devalued. Families are living in pains, even with their firm belief in the policy reforms. The roads are free, the streets are empty, the markets are silent and people are not obviously happy. These are red alerts and the government must be very sensitive to the needs of the people at this critical time; saving the people and the country at the same time.

Nigerians are giving up their lifestyle and comfort at this time, the government and critical stakeholders must be humane enough to play their parts to save humanity. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government should advise and compel the state governments, lawmakers, local government chairmen and private entities to engage in the following recommended activities to cushion the effects of the policy reforms on the common masses:

Provision of Food Palliative: Foods should be given to households across the country. A significant amount of money can be coughed into this project by state or federal lawmakers within their constituencies. Subsidy removal on fuel has made prices of basic needs of individuals as foods to be very expensive. There is no big project to be handled by any representative at this time than stomach infrastructure. Food items should be shared to old people, different households, people with disabilities, unemployed by lawmakers and Local Government chairmen.

Transportation Plan: One of the basic needs of a common man is movement from one place to another. The cost of transportation is becoming very unbearable for the common man. People now spend more than half of their wages and salaries on transportation. This can be highly frustrating. Federal Government, State government, Local Government and lawmakers in their various capacities should meet with key players in the transportation sector and liaise on how to subsidize cost of transportation for the masses for a particular period of time. Mass transits buses can be employed where government or lawmakers pay some amount of money that can last for 7am-9am and 4pm-7pm across the country for a particular period of time. This will massively relieve the masses the cost of transportation.

Support to Small Business Owners: It’s no gain saying that those in businesses especially non-essential products and services are severely affected as sales rate has dropped drastically because of the low purchasing power index of the consumers. Grants should be arranged to support such business owners to cushion the inevitable high cost of production and logistics that must have surfaced due to the policy reforms to keep them in business.

Tax Incentives: Federal and State Governments should tinker how to provide tax relief to corporate entities at least for the next six months or so. Temporary reduction in or outright removal of income tax for low income earners, reduction in value added tax rate to reduce prices of goods in the market and other reliefs possible with taxations

Partnerships with Charity Organizations: There are hundreds of NGOs in the country that government at all levels can partner with to help the less privileged at this difficult time. Give them recognitions, state honors, provide them with adequate security infrastructure and all that is necessary for them to connect with the people and render adequate support to them. Cash gifts, food, health care support, school items for school pupils, and the likes can be provided by these NGOs


The truth is, change comes with pain and we must save the future together. All hands must be on deck and all state players and private entities must response to humanity needs at this time.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must, as a matter of urgency, as all eyes are on him, compel and mandate all Federal Executives, State Governments, Senators, Members of House of Reps, State Lawmakers, LGAs Chairmen and private individuals to think outside the box to save the country and the people at the same time by actively and significantly responding to national issues in a way that will visibly and satisfactorily reflect on the lives of the common masses. The renewed hope that many advocated for must not be shattered at this time as the people are silent in economic agony

Adeleke Azeez Olalekan
Writer, Youths Development and Policy Strategist, Entrepreneur and Educationist
adelekeolalekan2000@yahoo.com

Wetin this one dey yarn? Grammar upon grammar!

Someone please summarize and break it down for me.