The Nigerian masses
By David Onwuchekwa
Nigerians will today, Wednesday, December 31 by midnight bid farewell to 2025, a year marked by severe economic hardship, modest policy gains and deepening expectations for better governance in the New Year.
The passing year tested the resilience of citizens as inflation, high food prices and rising transportation costs combined to stretch household incomes and weaken purchasing power.
For many families, survival replaced long-term planning as the central concern of daily life.
Despite the hardship, 2025 recorded some developments that Nigerians acknowledge as positive. Government efforts to reform taxation and improve revenue collection, though controversial, reflected attempts to reduce dependence on oil earnings. Infrastructure projects, including federal road rehabilitation, rail upgrades and port improvements, continued in several parts of the country, offering prospects for long-term economic growth.
In the power sector, marginal improvements in electricity supply were recorded in some areas, easing operations for small businesses and households. Social intervention programmes, grants and community-based empowerment schemes also provided limited relief to vulnerable groups, though their impact remained far below the scale of national need.
Security challenges, however, remained a major concern throughout the year. Incidents of banditry, kidnapping and communal violence persisted in different regions, affecting farming, trade and freedom of movement.
Youth unemployment and underemployment also worsened public frustration, particularly among graduates facing shrinking opportunities.
As the country moves into 2026, Nigerians are calling for economic stability, improved security and policies that directly address the rising cost of living. Many expect concrete measures to control inflation, support local production and create jobs, especially for young people.
Expectations from the political class are equally high. Citizens want leaders who prioritise governance over politics, communicate policies clearly and show accountability in the management of public resources. Nigerians are also demanding empathy and shared sacrifice from those in power as reforms continue.
With the close of 2025, the national mood remains cautious. While Nigerians have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, hopes for 2026 rest largely on the ability of leaders to translate policy promises into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
