A nation on the brink—Is anyone listening?

Nigeria is standing on the precipice, and the cries of the people echo through the silence of a government that seems deaf to their pain. The nationwide economic hardship and the explosive protests of last week should be more than a wake-up call—they should be a deafening alarm that jolts our leaders into action. But what do we get instead? Platitudes, empty promises, and a tone-deaf address from a president who seems more concerned with numbers than with lives.

On August 4th, President Tinubu finally decided to speak, expressing his “pain” over the loss of lives and the destruction that has swept across the nation. Yet, what good are words when the bodies of those killed in the North are barely cold, when the families of the dead are left to mourn alone while the government plays the blame game? This is not leadership; it’s a performance—a tragic farce played out on the national stage.

“This is not leadership; it’s a performance—a tragic farce played out on the national stage.”

The president waxed lyrical about his administration’s economic “achievements”—removing fuel subsidies, abolishing multiple foreign exchange systems, and touting a supposed doubling of government revenue. But let’s be clear: these are numbers on a page, not food on the table. The people protesting in the streets are not marching because they do not understand economic theory—they are marching because they are hungry, desperate, and tired of being ignored.

This government talks of progress while the poor and vulnerable are left to bear the brunt of so-called “necessary” reforms. What kind of progress leaves millions starving, businesses shuttered, and a nation teetering on the edge of collapse? The president may have increased crude oil production and cleared foreign trade obligations, but at what cost? The streets are filled with anger, and the social fabric of our nation is unravelling before our eyes.

And where is the accountability? Where is the acknowledgment of the police brutality that claimed at least 21 lives during the protests? Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has rightly condemned the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters, yet the president remains silent. Instead, he and his supporters push forward with an agenda that ignores the very real suffering of the people.

Read also: Way forward after end bad governance protests

The truth is, Nigeria is being pushed into a race to the bottom. Subsidies may be gone, but the pain of their removal lingers, and the promised benefits remain out of reach. The president speaks of patience, of waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel, but how long are we expected to wait? How long before the weight of these “reforms” crushes the very people they are supposed to help?

Let’s not forget, the cost of governance remains obscenely high, while the people are asked to tighten their belts. This is a country where leaders live in luxury, while the masses are asked to make sacrifices for a future that seems ever more distant. The protesters aren’t just angry at the president; they’re furious at a system that benefits the few at the expense of the many. The governors, who have seen their monthly allocations triple, are just as guilty. Their silence, their inaction, speaks volumes.

We need more than economic reforms—we need a revolution in governance. We need leaders who will lead by example, who will share in the sacrifices they demand of the people. We need a drastic reduction in the cost of governance, both at the national and state levels, and we need it now.

The path to national rejuvenation is evident, demanding a level of courage and foresight our leaders have thus far been reluctant to exhibit. Human capital development, agriculture, and rural development must be elevated from peripheral concerns to the cornerstone of our national blueprint. It is imperative to recognize that without a substantial commitment to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, the nation’s future remains bleak.

The era of rhetorical flourish must cede to one of concrete action. The recent protests serve as a potent reminder that the citizenry will no longer tolerate inertia. The government is obligated to respond with tangible policies and initiatives, not platitudes. Failure to seize this critical moment will undoubtedly lead to catastrophic consequences. Nigeria stands at a precipice, and those who choose inaction will be judged harshly by posterity.

To ensure sustainable progress, the government must foster a conducive environment for private sector investment in these critical areas. Public-private partnerships can be instrumental in bridging the infrastructure gap and creating jobs. Moreover, empowering local communities through decentralised governance will be essential for unlocking the full potential of agriculture and rural development.

Ultimately, the success of these endeavours hinges on transparency, accountability, and good governance. By prioritising the needs of the people and demonstrating a genuine commitment to their welfare, Nigeria can embark on a path towards a brighter future.