Members of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, have identified hunger, insecurity, poor purchasing power, inadequate public services and political challenges as some of the major difficulties confronting the average Nigerian.
The analysts spoke on Saturday during “State of the Nation,” a programme on Freedom Square Live on Solid 100.9 FM, hosted by Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Ph.D.
Dr. Chikezie Obasi, Secretary of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, identified leadership as the biggest challenge facing the country.
Obasi said the average Nigerian was primarily concerned about meeting basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and security, rather than becoming wealthy.
He said Nigerians wanted an environment that would enable them to earn a living, educate their children and conduct their daily activities without unnecessary hardship.
Using inadequate street lighting in Enugu as an example, Obasi argued that improved public infrastructure could enhance security and enable economic activities to continue safely at night.
Prof. Chiwuike Uba, Welfare Officer of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, identified hunger and declining purchasing power as major challenges facing Nigerians.
Uba said many citizens were more concerned about their ability to afford food and other necessities than headline economic indicators.
He explained that a slowdown in inflation did not mean that prices of goods and services had fallen, but that they were increasing at a slower rate.
According to him, prolonged economic hardship and poor nutrition could have wider consequences for Nigerians’ wellbeing, while hunger could also make people vulnerable to political inducements during elections.
Emeka Odom, a member of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, identified what he described as the “self-defeating tendency” of Nigerians as another major challenge.
Odom said citizens sometimes supported political actors during elections and later complained about the consequences of their choices.
He also raised concerns about political intimidation and the practice of offering voters items such as rice, salt, wrappers and cash during election periods.
Odom urged Nigerians to recognise themselves as major stakeholders in the country and hold political leaders accountable.
Dr. Ambrose Igboke, Chairman of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, focused on the political power of citizens.
Igboke argued that Nigerians have the power to either support or reject leadership through their votes, but said fear of sanctions, intimidation and other consequences could prevent citizens from fully exercising that power.
The analysts’ comments came during a broader discussion on the state of the nation, with the speakers highlighting economic hardship, hunger, insecurity, leadership challenges, inadequate public services and citizen participation as interconnected issues affecting Nigerians.