Economic Austerity: A Note for Nigerian Leaders and Citizens By Rabi Ummi Umar

A few weeks ago, the nation witnessed Nigerians taking to the streets en masse. This was not a spur-of-the-moment demonstration but a protest driven by persistent hunger and the demand for good governance, aptly named the #EndBadGovernance protest.

The South-East and South-South regions remained relatively quiet. Across the North, however, the protest escalated, leading to the destruction of property and loss of life. The South-West experienced only scattered rallies, likely a reflection of the lessons learned from the 2020 EndSARS protests, whose wounds are still healing.

While no one denies the reasons behind the protest—chiefly high inflation resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies and the floatation of the naira—there are deeper issues at play beneath the surface.

The government’s economic policies and the private sector’s adjustments were met with a mix of political intrigue and opportunism, all of which can be dissected objectively. It is undeniable that the cost of living in the country has become unbearable. Still, it’s important to recognize that while the government and organized private sector have agreed on a minimum wage after a prolonged tussle with labor unions, the informal sector has also made necessary adjustments at the individual level.

The new minimum wage, pegged at N70,000 (a 133.33% increase from N30,000), is set to be reviewed in two years. It’s crucial to understand that this is the baseline for the lowest-paid workers, with others benefiting from “consequential adjustments.” This move aims to help Nigerians adapt to the ongoing economic changes.

But what about roadside mechanics, vulcanizers, and other non-salary earners? Even without in-depth analysis or expert opinions, it’s evident that these groups have also raised their charges on goods and services, signaling their adaptation to the economic transition.

The politics surrounding the protest cannot be overlooked. While the organizers may have sincerely sought better living conditions, politics inevitably played a role.

Those in power accused the opposition of orchestrating a protest against an administration that has only served one of its four years, arguing that there is still time for improvement. The opposition, on the other hand, viewed the protest as an opportunity to push for a change in leadership, given the increasing hardship since the current government took office.

A particularly concerning aspect was the sight of protesters waving the flags of other countries. While they may not have fully grasped the implications of such actions, it was seen as a subtle threat to our sovereignty. Some viewed it as a mere strategy to discredit the government, while pundits saw it as politicking gone too far, and security specialists labeled it a “treasonous act.”

Opportunism was also evident during the protest. Protesters, ostensibly seeking better living conditions, stole goods from individuals who had no direct connection to the economic policies affecting them. This suggests that some participants had ulterior motives and were simply waiting for the right moment to strike, which the protest provided.

Last line

While holding the government accountable is a fundamental pillar of democracy, citizens also play a vital role at every stage. Everyone must adapt pragmatically, trimming their expectations according to their means.

In these challenging and turbulent times, as the government urges citizens to remain calm, it must also strive to alleviate the burden and make life easier for the people. Meanwhile, officials should keep a low profile, avoid displaying ostentatious lifestyles that suggest they are out of touch with the realities on the ground, and demonstrate genuine appreciation for citizens’ patience.

Rabi Ummi Umar is a student at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, and can be reached via: [email protected]