Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Your Excellency,
A Call for Your Intervention in the National Conversation on the Nigerian Economy and Insecurity
I write to you with the greatest respect for your experience, your service to Nigeria, and your unique position as one of the country’s former Heads of State and Presidents.
Nigeria is passing through a difficult period, and many Nigerians are deeply concerned about the direction of the country. I believe that your voice, experience and ability to engage Nigerians could make an important contribution to the national conversation at this critical moment.
One of the major concerns confronting ordinary Nigerians is the significant loss of value of the Naira, which has affected the purchasing power of families, increased the cost of food and essential goods, and placed considerable pressure on businesses and workers. Nigerians are struggling to understand whether the economic reforms being implemented will ultimately produce the promised benefits and, importantly, how long they will have to endure the present hardship.
The removal of fuel subsidy has also had far-reaching consequences. While there may be economic arguments for reforming or removing subsidies, the immediate impact on transportation, food prices, household expenses and the cost of doing business has been enormous. Many Nigerians would like to hear an independent and honest assessment of whether the benefits of these policies are reaching ordinary citizens and whether adequate measures are being taken to protect the poorest and most vulnerable.
Your Excellency, another issue of grave concern is the continuing insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Communities continue to face threats from banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality. Farmers are unable to cultivate their land safely in some areas, businesses are suffering, families are being displaced, and young Nigerians are increasingly anxious about their future.
I therefore respectfully appeal to you to use your national stature to initiate or support a broad national consultation with Nigerians.
Rather than relying solely on the views of politicians, government officials or organised interest groups, Nigerians from different walks of life should be given an opportunity to express their experiences and opinions directly.
Such a consultation could involve:
Ordinary citizens and families affected by rising living costs;
Farmers and traders;
Transport workers and small-business owners;
Young Nigerians and students;
Women and community leaders;
Religious and traditional leaders;
Economists and other professionals;
Security experts and communities affected by insecurity; and
Nigerians living in both urban and rural areas.
I respectfully suggest that the views gathered from such a process should subsequently be analysed and presented publicly, without partisan bias.
Your Excellency could ask some fundamental questions:
How are Nigerians coping with the current economic situation?
Has the removal of fuel subsidy improved the Nigerian economy sufficiently to justify its social cost?
What has been the real impact of the Naira’s loss of value on ordinary Nigerians?
What do Nigerians believe should be done differently?
Why has insecurity remained such a serious problem, particularly in Northern Nigeria?
What immediate and long-term measures do Nigerians expect from government?
Most importantly, Nigerians should have the opportunity to speak for themselves.
Your long experience in Nigerian public life places you in a particularly strong position to facilitate such a conversation. You have served Nigeria at the highest levels and have witnessed the country’s economic, political and security challenges across different periods.
This is therefore not an appeal for you to support or oppose any political party. It is an appeal for you to listen to Nigerians, analyse what they say and help the country understand where we are and where we should go from here.
At a time when public confidence is under considerable pressure, an independent national conversation led by a respected elder statesman could provide an important platform for Nigerians to express their concerns and for policymakers to hear them.
Nigeria belongs to all of us. The voices of ordinary Nigerians should therefore be central to discussions about the country’s future.
Your Excellency, I respectfully urge you to consider this proposal and, if you find it appropriate, initiate a National Citizens’ Economic and Security Opinion Forum, or a similar platform, through which Nigerians can freely express their views.
The findings could be compiled, professionally analysed and presented to Nigerians and relevant institutions of government.
History will judge all of us by what we did when our country faced difficult moments. I believe your experience and voice can still contribute significantly to finding a peaceful and constructive path forward for Nigeria.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and respect.
Yours faithfully,
Hisham Habib
Media Practitioner / Nigerian Citizen
Nigeria
