A groundbreaking survey report released by the Africa Polling Institute (API) has revealed a stark reality about the state of affairs in Nigeria. The #NigeriaSpeaks survey, which polled 3,996 citizens nationwide, shows an overwhelming majority (84%) are profoundly unhappy with the current state of the country.

The survey, conducted between May 1 and 18, 2024, highlights the harsh realities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office. Citizens are struggling with hunger, poverty, and dissatisfaction, with 81% feeling the country is headed in the wrong direction.

The top challenges facing citizens personally include hunger (36%), inability to meet basic needs (28%), unemployment (13%), heightened insecurity (9%), and poor electricity supply (5%). A staggering 74% of citizens say their personal economic situation has deteriorated over the last year.

The survey also reveals a significant majority (78%) of citizens are dissatisfied with President Tinubu’s job performance, with 49% rating him “Very Poor” and 29% “Poor”. The dissatisfaction extends to other arms of government, with 81% rating Senate President Godswill Akpabio and 79% rating Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, poorly.

Citizens also assessed the performance of President Tinubu’s Cabinet, with 68% thinking none of the cabinet members have performed well. However, 32% identified top and least performing ministers, with Professor Tahir Mamman (Minister of Education) and Nyesom Wike (Minister of the FCT) among the top performers, while Hon. Adebayo Adelabu (Minister of Power) and Dave Umahi (Minister of Works and Housing) are among the least performers.

The survey highlights a growing mass of aggrieved and discontented citizens, especially among the youth, who are unemployed or underemployed and waiting for an opportunity to vent their anger against fellow citizens and the Nigerian state.

The #NigeriaSpeaks project is a powerful governance tool that bridges the gap in credible primary data, capturing public attitudes and perceptions to shape public policy discourse, practice, and advocacy. The survey’s findings are a clear call for action, emphasizing the importance of citizens’ voices in strengthening democracy. (BusinessDay)