Nigeria, a nation blessed with abundant resources and brimming with youthful energy, finds itself at a crossroads. On one hand, it grapples with an unrelenting tide of economic woes, a crushing reality dubbed “Sapa” by its citizens.
Escalating prices, pervasive food insecurity, and a staggering poverty rate paint a grim picture of daily life. On the other hand, an exodus of Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad, the “Japa” phenomenon, fuels a glimmer of hope, a yearning for a future beyond the current struggles. Can this nation mend its fractured economy and rekindle the faith of its people?
Can this nation mend its fractured economy and rekindle the faith of its people?
The economic landscape is marred by staggering statistics, with food inflation reaching 32.84 percent as of November 2023 – a stark increase from 24.13 percent in the same period in 2022 on a year-on-year basis. Shockingly, over 71 million Nigerians have been thrust into abject poverty, according to the World Poverty Clock. This surge in food inflation has left an indelible mark on the daily lives of Nigerians, compelling them to allocate more of their earnings to essential commodities.
One glaring impact is seen in the exorbitant prices of basic staples, such as a 50kg bag of rice averaging N60,000 and soaring prices of chicken during the festive period. A recent survey conducted by BusinessDay in various markets reveals the profound effects, with the average price of old-layer chicken skyrocketing to N6,000 from N3,500 in 2022.
In response to these economic hardships, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on a bold economic reform agenda, highlighted by the removal of a popular but costly petrol subsidy. However, this move has inadvertently led to a surge in transportation fares, exacerbating the financial burdens faced by the citizenry.
Amidst the challenges, President Tinubu’s recent intervention to reduce transportation fares during the festive season stands out as a noteworthy attempt to alleviate the financial strain on the populace. Announcing a 50 percent reduction in inter-state transport fares and free train rides for Nigerians travelling between December 21, 2023, and January 4, 2024, the President’s initiative aims to provide relief to citizens during this period of heightened expenditure.
The reduction in transport fares, while a positive step, underscores the severity of the country’s economic challenges, revealing that even the well-off are not immune to the prevailing hardships.
Despite these interventions, a deep-rooted mistrust in governance remains a prevailing sentiment among Nigerians. This sentiment, coupled with persistent economic struggles, prompts individuals like Ifeoluwa Balogun, a seasoned house constructor, to contemplate leaving the country in search of a more stable environment for his family.
Balogun’s disillusionment is echoed by others, who cite policy inconsistencies affecting their businesses and a lack of transparency in governance. An anonymous source succinctly captures the prevailing sentiment, stating, “My next option now is to ‘Japa’ because there’s no transparency in Nigeria’s governance, yet they want us to endure hardship with frivolous spending patterns.”
In light of these challenges, Olukayode Odetoyinbo, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, emphasises the urgent need for governments at all levels to rebuild the lost confidence and trust that Nigerians once had in their leaders. He underscores that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda should not merely be rhetoric but must be backed by tangible actions and commitments to alleviate the current economic hardships plaguing the nation.
The “Sapa” vs. “Japa” narrative unveils a nation wrestling with its destiny. Can “Hope” truly eclipse despair? The answer lies not only in economic reforms and policy tweaks but also in a collective shift in mindset.
Nigerians – from leaders to citizens – must embrace transparency, accountability, and unwavering dedication to nation-building. This requires prioritising long-term goals over short-term gains, nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation, and fostering a culture of civic engagement.
It might not be a smooth ascent, but by harnessing the spirit of resilience that defines their nation, Nigerians can chart a course towards a future where “Japa” becomes a relic of the past, replaced by a flourishing “Naija” powered by prosperity and shared purpose.
