The image of the fatigued man represents the widespread exhaustion that has gripped Nigerians, struggling under the weight of recent economic changes driven by President Bola Tinubu’s policies. This man, slumped and drained after a long day of strenuous work, mirrors the hardships faced by many Nigerians as they strive to make ends meet. Tinubu’s “Emilokan” policy—meaning “It’s my turn”—has intensified financial pressures, with high inflation rates affecting daily necessities, transport, and even access to basic services. For many, these changes have forced an adjustment to the rising cost of living, with little relief in sight.
Awakened briefly, the man managed to mutter, “This Tinubu will not kill us,” encapsulating the frustrations of Nigerians dealing with ballooning costs and stagnating incomes. Following the removal of fuel subsidies, fuel prices have escalated drastically. A liter of petrol, previously priced at about ₦185, has skyrocketed to over ₦1,060, impacting both individual consumers and businesses. This increase ripples through the economy, pushing up transportation fares, food prices, and other essentials. The cost of a 50kg bag of rice, previously around ₦30,000, now exceeds ₦45,000. Cooking gas, another household staple, has also surged in price, pushing families to turn to cheaper and often environmentally harmful alternatives like firewood.
Transportation has become increasingly unaffordable for the average Nigerian. Crowds now gather daily at bus stops, waiting for affordable transport options that are in short supply, while many are forced to walk long distances just to cut costs. The high price of fuel, coupled with lingering issues between Dangote’s refineries and oil marketers, has exacerbated an already precarious situation, leaving many Nigerians wondering if and when relief will come. The government’s perceived passive response—referred to as “siddon look,” a term popularized by Bola Ige that implies watching from the sidelines—has left citizens feeling that their plight is being ignored.
The recent surge in prices has come alongside other infrastructure and service issues, worsening the burden for Nigerians. Power outages are frequent, as the national grid collapses periodically, plunging parts of the country into darkness and affecting businesses and households alike. Many Nigerians navigate dilapidated roads and lack access to reliable healthcare, making daily life even more challenging.
Indeed this Tinubu will not kill us!
