Dr. Farah Dagogo, a former House of Representatives member, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to develop effective economic policies to alleviate the suffering and hardships faced by the majority of Nigerians.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant, Ibrahim Lawal, Dagogo described the current living standards in the country as “grim,” expressing concerns that all indicators suggest “further pains for the citizenry.”
In his Eid-ul-Adha (Sallah) message to Muslims across the country, Dagogo expressed dismay over the continued misery experienced by the people despite Nigeria’s abundant natural resources.
“Today, yesterday, and especially in the past year, the people’s purchasing power has drastically reduced,” Dagogo stated.
“Never has this country witnessed this level of hyperinflation in its history, not even during our civil war. It is a grim reality.”
He highlighted the severe economic downturn, noting that “the value of ₦40,000 in 2015 is equivalent to over ₦500,000 in today’s Nigeria in 2024.
Compare the costs of goods and services during this period to the reality of today, and we all will come to that sad realization.”
Dagogo argued that the economic hardships justify labor’s demand for a living wage.
“The inconsolable truth is that the value of the money most people are earning in 2024 is not significantly different from that of 2015, but the purchasing power has practically vanished,” he said.
“Anti-people and inhumane economic policies have 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 there is no improvement in the real income of the people. Something has to give way; this cannot continue.
These sufferings and hardships must be remedied. Unfortunately, current indicators 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 urged the government to uphold its promises and “walk the talk of renewing the citizenry’s hope.”
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