A former House of Representatives member, Dr Farah Dagogo, has again urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to develop effective economic policies to alleviate the suffering and hardships experienced by the majority of Nigerians.
In a statement by his Special Assistant, Ibrahim Lawal, Dagogo described the current living standards and conditions in the country as “grim,” raising concerns that all indicators suggest “further pains for the citizenry.”
In a special Eid-ul-Adha (Sallah) message to Muslims across the country, the former Federal Lawmaker expressed dismay that the people continue to languish in misery despite the country’s abundant natural resources.
“Today, yesterday and especially in the past year, the people’s purchasing powers have reduced drastically.
“Never has this country witnessed this level of hyperinflation in its history, not even during our civil war. It is a grim reality.
“The value of ₦40,000 in 2015 is equivalent to over ₦500, 000 in today’s Nigeria in 2024. Crisscross the costs of goods and services during this period and vis-a-vis the reality of today and we all will come to that sad realization.
Dagogo added that the terrible economic downturn and suffering is the reason “why labour was justifiably demanding for a living wage.”
The former federal lawmaker said, “The inconsolable unavoidable truth is that the value of the money most persons are getting or earning in 2024 is not too different from that of 2015 but the purchasing powers have practically gone out the window.
“Anti-people and inhuman economic policies have helped put the people in a terrible state. Money that could comfortably procure over 10 bags of 50kg rice in 2015 can only buy one now, yet no improvement in the real money in the hands of the people.
“Something has to give way, this cannot continue. These sufferings and hardships have to be remedied. Unfortunately, optics point to further pains for the citizenry.”
Drawing from the central message of Eid-ul-Adha, which signifies the festival of sacrifice, Dagogo commended Nigerians for their sacrifices and resilience during these challenging times, particularly over the past year.
He, however, urged the government to uphold its promises and “walk the talk of renewing the citizenry’s hope.”
Former federal lawmaker urges President Tinubu to address economic hardship