With the high inflation leading to a persistent rise in food and transportation costs nationwide, Nigerians have called on the government to ensure the reduction of the cost of living and essential services

A hike in food prices in 2024 was one of the main complaints of average Nigerians. Contributory factors include heightened insecurity, high cost of farm inputs, and flooding in some food baskets nationwide.

However, citizens who spoke with The Guardian yesterday expressed hope that 2025 will bring about meaningful changes, with appropriate government intervention in key areas.

Ayele Utomi (President, Institute of Certified Business Consultants Nigeria)
Looking at what the government has done regarding refinery, tax reform, and other things, I am not expecting much in 2025 because of things that have not been implemented to see a robust economy.

Number one, insecurity is still a significant issue in the country. Nigerians should expect food shortages because most of the villages where food comes from are being occupied by terrorists. They are expanding, so if the federal government does not declare a state of emergency on insecurity in food production, we should expect a significant food shortage, which could increase the cost of foodstuff. We should expect an increase in the unemployment rate.

Most businesses are closing up because of the rise in the cost of energy. I expect fuel prices to go down because modular refineries are springing up.
In terms of exchange rate, I don’t see Naira gaining significantly. The Naira will fall further before the end of the first quarter of 2025 because we can’t stabilise the Naira. We need to encourage production and exports. The government should look at things that will boost exports and encourage manufacturers. The government should also reduce the interest rate. Reduction in interest rates will reduce unemployment.

Joseph Opute (Lawyer)
I sincerely don’t have any expectations from this current government. It started on a wrong footing with its several abysmally poor policies, severely impoverished the masses. And despite the widespread outcry against the policies, the government failed to review them. It is, therefore, on this premise that I cannot embrace any hope that 2025 will be any different unless there is an urgent reversal of this government’s anti-people World Bank-induced policies.

As per the things to tackle, I don’t believe this government can tackle any problem. I humbly believe that this government personifies all issues ailing the country.

Given this government’s catastrophic and disastrous policies, the outlook for 2025 is bleak. Unless this government lives up to the constitutional mandate to be driven by the welfare and security of the Nigerian people, there will be nothing you will be happy about in 2025.

Iwayemi Idowu Daniel (Student)
I want the government to reduce fuel prices and focus on projects that will have a positive multiplier effect on the economy. The government should ensure power stability, reduce unemployment, and invest in agriculture.

Change will not happen overnight, but I expect this government to show us a strategy to solve these issues and ensure a corruption-free country or at least limit it. We are so rich, yet so poor and underdeveloped because the money meant for development goes into greedy pockets. When this is done, we will reach the heights that great men and women have reached and kept. Through this employment, doors and many more will be flung open.

Zainab Shitta (journalist)
My expectation for 2025 is a better life. Last year was tough, but I want financial stability, to be at the top of my career and have good businesses in 2024.

As a journalist, I am unhappy with how the government and its agencies treated journalists and media outlets in 2024. We are the fourth tier of government. We should get the same treatment as the other tiers of government. The government is looking down on journalists as if we can do nothing. They forget that our pen is mightier.

When it comes to remuneration, journalists are poorly paid. Away from the government, our publishers are treating us poorly. They are not doing well at home. We need to rebrand ourselves before talking to others.

Prosper Ikoroha Chidera (Undergraduate)
I want the government to address the alarming unemployment rate in the country. The unemployment rate is alarming, and graduates are forced to take menial jobs for survival.

As an Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Evo, Ebonyi State student, I would not like to be unemployed after my education. I appealed to the government to engage graduates meaningfully, suggesting sponsorship for business ventures to create more jobs.

Ani Odinakachukwu Emmanuel (Student)
The government needs to do something about insecurity in the country, especially for students travelling back to school. The government should employ more security agencies to ensure maximum protection.

Okoro Nwabuife (Trader)
As a trader in Balogun Market, Lagos State, I want profits and growth, but this cannot happen without improved infrastructure, particularly roads, and a favourable economic environment for traders. I want the government to be favourably disposed to businesses, especially small-scale traders.

Temitope Magaji- Pastor

I believe 2025 will be a year where many who have been consistent with the process will be made. I expect to see newer voices in diverse areas of life, and more importantly new authorities in the social space.
As commonly said, you can’t say you’ve failed in a business or venture until you’ve given five full years of productive engagement to it. And 2025 marks the 5th year after the pandemic, where many rediscovered themselves and forged new paths… I sincerely can’t wait to see the emergence of new players across different sectors of our existence.
My advice for we Nigerians in 2025, is simply for us to look inward, and be more intentional about our aspirations and dreams.
We must note that, beyond the difficulties that overwhelm us, are the possibilities we are yet to press towards.
Therefore, we must renew our individual and collective commitments to becoming the best we desire through genuine accountability (personal/collective), and resilience.

Seun Morakinyo (Seunwest)- Realtor
Expectations come in all forms, but it is the behaviour in our lives that determines our achievement. As a Realtor, I am expecting myself to assist my clients in other to make better real estate investment decisions that will make them have higher returns both in medium, short-term and long-term situations.
Hence, you have to think about yourself as an employer and your clients as your business priorities as a result of this you would grow as a business owner.
I am also using this medium to advise Nigerians to believe in themselves that they can achieve greater things in all ramifications of life irrespective of their various family backgrounds and geographical locations.

Prince Adeniyi Olumide- Business man

I expect that the grace of God will abound with me and my family and that my desires. The past year was challenging. I pray that the challenges this year will not be as tedious like those of 2024.I can only pray for Nigerian leaders. There is no advice you can give Nigerian leaders. I just want to put God first, and they should think about the people who are suffering and put themselves in the position of the people. Nigerian leaders know what to do.