In Lagos, the vibrant heart of Nigeria, a plea for love resounds from immigration officials to the bustling streets. This request for tips has intensified over the past year, reflecting the challenges faced in Nigeria’s struggling economy. As President Bola Tinubu marked one year in office amidst the nation’s 25th anniversary of democracy, the mood was somber and reflective, lacking the expected celebratory air.
Economic progress since 1999 has been tumultuous, with shifts in different directions leaving the nation grappling with high unemployment and rising living costs. The minimum wage increase in 2019 has proven inadequate as food prices soar and tariffs surge. Young people are turning to unconventional means like sex work and cybercrime to survive.
As challenges mount, calls for reform echo across West Africa. While democracy faces scrutiny, leaders like Tinubu strive for inclusive governance to address citizen frustrations. Despite diverse opinions, Nigeria’s quest for stability and growth remains a journey fraught with uncertainties, testing the resilience and faith of its people.