By Alexander Aghedo
In an era where sentiment often trump evidence and social media mobs wield significant influence over public opinion, it has become imperative for citizens to be politically conscious, ground their convictions in facts, ideology, and verifiable data. Without this, even the most sincere believer in national progress can be gaslighted into submission by loud, coordinated misinformation. I had one of such moments with a friend this morning and my children watched in spectacul my delivery on every subjects we took on.
The current reforms undertaken by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration have undeniably brought discomfort to many Nigerians includng myself. The removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and fiscal tightening have triggered inflationary pressures and increased the cost of living. Folks even make sarcastic jokes out of the resent situation by saying “That cost of living wants to kill the living” whatever that means. But these are real pains that should not be downplayed. However, beyond the hardship lies a broader economic picture, one supported by data from reputable institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and global credit agencies which suggests that Nigeria is slowly but steadily turning a corner.
Recent reports and assessments from these bodies indicate that the Nigerian economy is on a trajectory toward greater resilience and self-sustainability. Growth forecasts, foreign investment interest, and structural adjustments point toward a long-term transformation that could lift millions out of poverty if sustained and well-managed. It is therefore disingenuous for opposition politicians many of whom contributed to the problems we face today to exploit current challenges to score political points, all while ignoring the long-term benefits that reforms are already beginning to deliver. Their goal is not always to offer solutions, but to reclaim power by any means possible even at the cost of national progress.
Notably, respected private sector players such as Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, and Tony Elumelu among other individuals with deep-rooted investments in Nigeria’s economy have publicly acknowledged that these reforms are necessary and are beginning to bear fruit. GDP number has increased from the last quarter with growth recorded at 3.46% by the Nigeria baureu of statistics. Nigerian stock are enjoying their best run under any president since 1999, and this automatically means more investment opportunities and by extension more jobs. These are not politicians with electoral ambitions, but industrialists and entrepreneurs whose success is directly tied to Nigeria’s stability and growth. Their optimism should not be taken lightly.
While it is important to hold government accountable, it is equally important not to fall into the trap of cynicism or allow politically motivated narratives to erase the progress being made. Reforms are never painless, especially in a country where decades of poor economic management have created deep systemic flaws. But change must begin somewhere, and it is happening now.
Nigeria is rising; and yes it is slowly, steadily, and painfully. But it is rising nonetheless. Let us not allow anyone be it political actors or social media critics to sell us a lie.
Discussion about this post