As the day winds down for a New Year to begin, Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country have called on government to ameliorate suffering of the masses in 2024, as 2023 was an unforgettable experience.

They also called on government to maintain low profile and shun ostentatious living.

Speaking differently to The Guardian, they said government has fundamental role to play in making Nigeria the country of their dream. But this could only be possible if government is able to stabilise the Naira and encourage local production so as to boost the economy.

They noted that 2023 was tough for many citizens, especially after the subsidy removal and policy around the unification of exchange rate which has failed. So, they are looking forward to a better year and country in 2024.

Former Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Muda Yusuf, noted that 2023 story was a tale of two major transitions:

“We had the political transition and we had significant economic policy transition as evidenced by recent reforms. Both offered new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity. There were also some inherent shocks and challenges, especially around new inflationary pressures.

“However, there is a good chance that the economic headwinds and shocks of 2024 would not be as severe as what was experienced in 2023. And this is premised on a number of considerations.

“The current efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in clearing the forex mature obligations, the removal of policy impediments to forex inflows and the import substitution effects of domestic refining of petroleum products would have a considerable positive impact on the economic outlook for 2024.”

He was also optimistic that the efforts of government to curb the menace of oil theft and boost crude oil output would positively impact on the outlook for foreign reserves and the stability of the exchange rate.

“Already the fiscal space is getting better, following the revenue effects of the fuel subsidy removal and the foreign exchange policy reforms.

However, the challenge of insecurity, crude oil theft, rising recurrent expenditure and the social outcomes of economic reforms are potential risks to the outlook.

“The biggest challenge to our manufacturing sector is the huge exposure to the external sector, specifically imported raw materials. The sector outlook will depend to a large extent on the stability of the foreign exchange market and the related forex liquidity.

“However, to the extent that the CBN had demonstrated a clear commitment to the stabilisation of the foreign exchange market, the manufacturing sector outlook may be more on the upside in 2024.

“The rising prospects of heightened domestic refining of petroleum products are expected to generate better backward integration and import substitution outcomes for the economy in 2024. The expected increase in domestic petrochemical output will hopefully ease the pressure of importation of raw materials by manufacturers.”

He, nonetheless, noted that the oil and gas sector is still the life wire of the Nigerian economy, from a balance of payment and external sector perspectives.

Manufacturing sector

“Over 90 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings are from the sector. The outlook for the sector is generally positive on account of a number of reforms and regulatory departments. The Petroleum Industry Act has brought some significant positive changes to the policy space in the sector.

“Although stakeholders still felt there are some fine-tuning to be done, the fact is that the current policy environment is much better than what it used to be before the enactment of the act.

The fuel subsidy removal is a game changer for downstream oil sector investment.”

He observed that better policy environment typically inspires more confidence in investors, just as the current administration has been unwavering in its commitment to tackling crude oil theft.

“We expect the momentum to be sustained in 2024 and the impact on the outlook will be significant. High crude oil price is good for oil and gas sector investment because of the effect on returns. The uptrend in oil price is likely to continue into 2024 as the geopolitical factors driving the price have not abated. If anything, they seem to have intensified.

“The prospects for domestic refining of petroleum products are much brighter for 2024. The developments around the Dangote refinery, the NNPC refineries and other modular refineries are positive signals for the sector’s downstream outlook. This would also ease the pressure of forex demand for petroleum products importation in 2024,” Yusuf stated.

On his part, a former diplomat with the United Nations, Professor Babafemi Badejo, stated that the most fundamental problem facing Nigeria is leadership deficit.

“This has made it impossible for Nigeria to tackle corruption, hostile external environments, and build and sustain necessary institutions and resources, all of which are necessary for peace and security within overall human development.”

Badejo, a political science and international relations lecturer, added that leadership inadequacy is not only among politicians, but permeates all arms and levels of government, as well as all sectors: public, private, and social with social, including religious, traditional, civil society among others.

He argued that it would be great if Nigerians could realise improvements in leadership in 2024. “If we can see this, clear visionary actions will follow, and we’ll start seeing reductions in corruptions at all arms, levels, and sectors. As a result, national patrimony would go into the needs of Nigerians as inequality, poverty, and current despair start to reduce. Nigerians need fewer slogans, but actions.”

Naira’s stability is paramount.Photo: Leadesrship

Also commenting, a Nigerian, Mr. Ola Olanrewaju, who worked as an engineer for more than four decades in the country before relocating abroad, said that naira value should be stabilised in 2024, as that would solve most other problems, the country and the citizens are grappling with.

A lawyer, Ayo Oso, said the morning shows the day and there are no clear economic road maps for recovery.

“My advice for individuals is that they take their work or means of income seriously and give their best in whatever field they are. With the ever increasing population of Nigeria, I see opportunities for success as an increasing population indicates that services and goods must be provided for the teaming population.

“People shouldn’t expect much from the government; rather, they may expect more taxes directly or indirectly. Nigerians shouldn’t be ashamed of learning new skills, especially in the area of Information Technology. Unemployed ones should learn driving for example, as new jobs may entail the ability to drive.

“Those who are not information technology savvy must delve into it as soon as possible, as coding and online marketing are money spinners.”

Former President of Civil Liberties Organisation, Mrs. Ayo Obe, said that there are so many things Nigerians expect from their government in 2024.

He added that while the focus is usually on the Federal Government, Nigerians need to demand a lot more from their state and local governments.

“Nigerians began 2023 with the economic pain caused by the currency change and that was followed by the twin economic blows of the end of fuel subsidy and the collapse in the exchange rate of the naira which has led to astonishingly high levels of inflation.

“So, the major thing Nigerians demand to see from their government in 2024 is the reward for the economic hardship of 2023. Our economy must improve and that must be reflected in the lives of Nigerians with lower inflation, more jobs and a stable exchange rate.

“On security, I’m writing this just before setting out for the weekly #BringBackOurGirls sit out at Falomo. Some 90 Chibok girls are observing their 10^th New Year in captivity. We expect the government to bring this tragic chapter to a close with the rescue of the remaining Chibok girls, Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu, UNICEF’s Alice Ngaddah.

“We have asked the responsible Minister, Betta Edu, to compile a comprehensive report on the fate of all of them. But Nigerians also demand that the security response to terrorist, insurgent and bandit attacks should not just be maintained, but that these evils plaguing our country must be brought to an end.”

Obe said that Nigerian political leaders need to maintain low profile, especially as ordinary Nigerians are going through pains.

“Our government needs to adopt the ‘low profile’ ethos, and to patronise local industries and businesses,” Obe stated.

For Dr Abiola Akiyode -Afolabi, Executive Director, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, 2023 has shown the multisectoral impact of poverty on women and girls. “We hope that in 2024, the Federal and state governments would be more committed by action, to reducing poverty. We’re not talking of photo ops and selling slogans. We’re asking for measurable reduction in poverty by providing gender balanced employment and strengthening local businesses,” she said .

She noted that statistically, women are more affected by poverty as it leads to more girls out of school, sexual and gender based violence, and forced child marriage, leading to increased maternal mortality.

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)

The National Bureau of Statistics announced the number of Nigerians living in multi-dimensional poverty as over 133 million.

“Ahead of 2024, we also hope to see a true dedication to reducing maternal mortality across the federation. We call on state governments to introduce and improve on guidelines for safe termination of pregnancies to cover physical and mental illnesses, rape, incest, trauma, and other issues that predisposes a woman to death in the hands of quack doctors. It is our reality in Nigeria today that young girls and women are self-medicating and risking their lives and health by patronising quack doctors to terminate pregnancies.

“There have been an unfortunate rise in incest cases handled by WARDC in 2023 leading to pregnancies. We cannot continue to watch our women and girls die in avoidable circumstances. Providing Guidelines for Safe Termination of Pregnancies will provide a safe procedure for handling such cases. It would also help in curating data of pregnant women and girls who are in need of help and support. We commend the Ogun State government for leading this charge boldly.”

The Chief Imam of University of Lagos (UNILAG) Muslim Community, Prof. Ismail Musa, equally urged every government to address the basic needs of Nigerians, such as food, water and healthcare, saying that these necessities have become increasingly inaccessible.

He said they should focus on policies and programmes that would bring immediate relief and succour to the toiling masses, adding that a well coordinated agricultural programme would apart from putting food within the reach of the vulnerable masses also address problems of unemployment and insecurity.

His words: “Every government has priorities. The citizens also have different priorities. Today, the overwhelming majority of Nigeria requires basic needs such as food, water and healthcare. These necessities have become increasingly inaccessible. Therefore, I expect greater focus on policies and programmes that would bring immediate relief and succour to the toiling masses. Sustainable funding of massive food production and distribution and export is both imperative and urgent.”

Reminding the various governments that Nigeria has potentials for earning forex through agricultural produce and processing, Musa said: “Only discerning countries feed their citizens adequately. All levels of government, corporate entities and individuals should key into this new focus. The earth is the primary resource God has created for our survival and welfare. We should prove to be its good managers.”

He urged Nigerians to turn to God and express their gratitude to Him for giving them abundant natural resources and also pray to Him for getting the right formula for transforming the nation.

Also, the Archbishop of Aba Ecclesiastical Province/Bishop, Diocese of Isiala Ngwa South, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Revd. (Dr.) Isaac Nwaobia, in his expectation for 2024, said the government should implement policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and stability.

Other areas the Archbishop wants the government to devote its attention include healthcare, education, climate change/ environment, social equality, security/safety, and transparency/Accountability, among others.

Nwaobia said: “People often expect the government to implement policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and stability, especially after a challenging year like 2023. With the varying health challenges in the world, we expect the government to prioritise public health by continuing to focus on testing, prevention, vaccination, distribution, and healthcare infrastructure improvement.

“Expectations about education often revolve around ensuring access to quality education for all, implementing effective strategies for remote learning, and enhancing educational infrastructure. We expect governments to take measures to address climate change, promote renewable energy, and implement sustainable practices to protect the environment.

“Governments are expected to work towards reducing inequality, promoting social justice, and protecting vulnerable populations. We expect the government to ensure public safety by implementing effective law enforcement measures, strengthening national security, and combating issues like terrorism, kidnapping and cybercrime.

“Nigerians expect transparency in governance, accountability for politicians and public officials, and measures to reduce corruption,” he added.

Similarly, the State Islamic Leader, Vice President General Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs/Chairman, Association of South-South Muslim Ummah, Alhaj (Amb) Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, JP, tasked governments on the need to address pervading insecurity in the country, adding that it is governments’ duty at all levels to invest their energy and resources to nip insecurity in the bud.

Urging the president, governors, national and state assemblies to come together to eliminate insecurity, Uhor said: “I am of the firm belief that insecurity has thrived this long simply because it enjoys backing of the top political class. There is no way insecurity will thrive where there is strong political will to discourage or whittle it down to insignificant level.” The State Islamic Leader argued that there is enough intelligence data and fire-power within the military and para-military community to wipe out insecurity within one month.

“The simplest and quickest way is to go after the sponsors of insecurity who are well-known to governments at all levels. Indeed, governments’ in explicable clay-footedness in going after the known sponsors lends credence to the allegation of complicity of its very high-ranking officials. This does nothing but increase the endemic trust deficit between the government and the traumatised people. Given this scenario, the call for all hands to be on deck in support of the government can only elicit sneers,” Uhor added. (The Guardian: Text, Excluding Headline)

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