Economic hardship and the way forward for government

Sir: Some measures have been taken to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians arising from policies of the federal government. But how effective are they?

From food palliatives to cash transfer. How has any of them positively mitigated the hardship? How many people can the government point to have benefited from the policies?

I am also aware that the government is mulling over opening up the national food reserves to distribute food items. As good as it may sound as a short-term solution, it may not bring any comfort or relief to the people.

The reason is quite obvious. How many people would the national food reserves serve? And what happened to previous palliatives? These are pertinent questions the government should look at. In fact, our problem is not the supply, it is the purchasing power.

Since it may seem impossible for the government to fix prices for these essential items, it is expedient to opt for better alternatives. Alternatives like provision of social amenities like motorable roads, free healthcare system, subsidy on stable electricity supply, subsidized public transportation along with basic and tertiary education. These are ameliorative strategies that can help mitigate the effect of this rising inflation on the citizenry.

Another only way out is for the government to ensure prudent spending of public funds and cut down the cost of governance. Building official residence for the President and Vice-President at this trying time is rather wasteful.

Such funds can be channeled to build a world class hospital in the country or construct railways to improve the transportation system.

On a last note, Nigeria’s economy is dwindling as the result of naira devaluation. Perhaps the growth of the naira is in the hands of everyone especially those in government by patronising Nigerian made products. Rather than SUVs and Prado jeeps, why not consider Nigerian alternatives to strengthen the economy. Embracing the naira as a means of exchange should now be a top most responsibility for every Nigerian.

• Damilare Adeleye writes from Lagos State via [email protected].