OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA: PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU
3 min read
Dear Mr. President,
I am compelled to write you through this open letter due to the pressing and critical issues affecting the state and welfare of our nation. The current economic hardship experienced by many Nigerians has become a matter of grave concern and warrants your immediate attention and action.
The recent removal of fuel subsidies has resulted in severe economic strain, exacerbating the cost of living and driving many into dire conditions. While the removal of these subsidies was a necessary step, it is evident that the timing and implementation were ill-conceived. The failure to repair and operationalize Nigeria’s refineries before this decision has left many citizens grappling with unprecedented hardship.
The soaring inflation and spiraling prices of essential goods, particularly food commodities, have placed an unbearable burden on the average Nigerian. In the absence of effective price control measures, the suffering of the populace continues to escalate. Reports of Nigerians enduring extreme poverty and even resorting to dire measures due to their deteriorating conditions are increasingly frequent.
It is crucial that this letter serves not only as a plea but as a call for collective dialogue and action. The well-being of our citizens should be paramount, and their struggles should not be ignored. We urge you to prioritize the implementation of effective policies to address these issues, including the repair of our refineries and the introduction of strict price control measures.
I write this letter not to take sides with or against the Nationwide protesters currently campaigning for an end to bad governance, but to highlight a pressing concern affecting most Nigerians. We are enduring severe economic hardship, and it is imperative that you and the entire administration make every effort to prevent the collapse of our nation.
Many Nigerians, including the working class, are struggling to make ends meet. The removal of fuel subsidies has led to skyrocketing prices for essential goods, such as food, medications, transportation, and housing, further deepening the crisis. Survival has become increasingly difficult.
While I acknowledge and appreciate the laudable programs and policies your administration has introduced, including SUPA, NELFUND, NYIF, 3MTT, Renewed Hope Cities, and Consumer Credit, their impact has not yet been felt by many Nigerians. Bureaucratic bottlenecks, corruption, lack of transparency, and favoritism have hindered the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Nigerians seek basic needs such as security, food, shelter, clothing, social amenities, healthcare, infrastructure, good governance, accountability, and employment opportunities. We desire a reduction in corruption and improvements in welfare, similar to the progress seen in some other African nations.
To address these issues, I propose the following suggestions:
- Repair Nigeria’s refineries to lower general prices.
- Implement strict price control measures to combat inflation.
- Provide import duty waivers for foodstuffs, beverages, and medications.
- Grant tax exemptions for nano businesses and certain SMEs.
- Open land borders and allow full operational access to seaports for free trade.
- Scale up Compressed Natural Gas refill outlets to reduce transportation costs.
- Create employment opportunities for youths and graduates.
Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources and a highly educated population. Both the affluent and the impoverished are suffering from the current economic hardship, highlighting the urgent need for effective and transparent governance.
The gravity of the situation demands a united effort to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. Please consider this an urgent appeal for action to mitigate the economic hardship faced by the populace and to restore hope and stability to our nation.
Buseni Jeffrey
8/8/2024
