Since Nigeria gained its independence in 1960 from British colonization, we have slowly but steadily collapsed on ourselves. In the beginning, the increasing cost of living, crime rate, declining standard of education and other such failures were seen as transient challenges that would improve or end by the election of new leaders. But, unfortunately, president after president has assumed office, and all have proven to be worse than their predecessors.
Nigerians all over the country are expressing their shame, pain and anger over the shape Nigeria has taken over the last ten years. Many have reminisced about how the standard of living—although less than commendable—was a lot better in the past.
As a nation of people to whom poverty, insecurity and failure are familiar realities, it is terrifying to see that things have gotten to the point where we can no longer endure our way through. Even our humour which has in the past been a coping mechanism against the countless times that the proverbial rug has been ripped from under our feet—seems to have departed.
It has always been a widespread notion in Nigeria that citizens who are at the higher rungs of the socio-economic ladder were exempt from the sufferings of the average Nigerian, but with the current status of the country, everyone— save the extremely wealthy— has received a taste of the bitter pill being passed around. With the national grid collapse, ASUU strikes, Airline shutdown, fuel scarcity, circulation of adulterated fuel, inflation and increased insecurity, there is surely enough distress to go around.
As the next elections draw near, many Nigerians believe that a new president chosen cautiously might be the solution to our problems. However, with the current state of the county, one cannot help but wonder if perhaps, it is not that simple. The slow and steady chaos that has befallen our nation Nigeria seems less like the consequences of one man’s actions and bad decisions and more like the result of several years of neglect, greed and injustice. This isn’t the first time we have expected a messiah-president and been disappointed. Nevertheless, many Nigerians have taken to their social media accounts to urge their fellow citizens to get their PVCs ready and vote wisely when the time comes.
Every year, thousands of citizens leave Nigeria searching for a more secure life in other countries. Youths filled with great potential who should naturally be assets in the development of their motherland but who, because of the dwindling economy amidst other deplorable circumstances, find themselves with very limited choices. Nigeria appears to have barely any past glory to dwell on because all of it seems to have been overshadowed by an avalanche of failure.
In 2004, when Eedris Abdulkareem released his single “Jaga Jaga,” a litre of fuel cost around N50 to N65 and the dollar to naira rate was N136/$1. It is 2022, and a litre of fuel (that might blow up your generator) cost N 220 while a dollar is over N500. Eedris was not incorrect when he released that song, and it is a great disappointment to see that the lyrics ring truer with each passing day.