In 1 Kings 12:11, the words “My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions” echo the experiences of Nigerians today. This biblical passage serves as a fitting metaphor for the situation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has seen the intensification of economic hardship, following in the footsteps of his predecessor.

During the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians groaned under the weight of economic instability, high unemployment, rising prices, and insecurity. The heavy yoke was felt across the country, but many hoped that a change in leadership would ease their burdens. Instead, the reverse has happened.

Since taking office, President Tinubu has introduced policies that have further exacerbated the suffering of the average Nigerian. The removal of subsidies and the resultant skyrocketing fuel prices have worsened inflation, deepened poverty, and pushed even more families below the poverty line. Nigerians who once struggled under Buhari’s “whips” now feel they are being “scourged with scorpions” as Tinubu’s economic measures have led to a rise in the cost of living that seems unbearable.

This biblical imagery is not an exaggeration. With the currency’s value plummeting, the cost of basic goods and services soaring, and the country’s debt swelling, the average Nigerian is reeling from the impact of these policy decisions. Just as the scourging of whips and scorpions implies escalating punishment, many citizens are questioning when, if ever, the burdens will lessen.

Instead of a respite, the Tinubu-led government has turned the screws tighter, leaving many Nigerians wondering if they will ever see relief. Where Buhari’s government was seen as difficult, Tinubu’s is seen as crushing. The “scorpions” of higher high costs of virtually all goods and services due to unprecedented rising rate of inflation, and economic uncertainty sting deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s psyche.

This biblical parallel speaks volumes about the unending cycle of hardship in Nigeria. Will there be an end to this scourging? Nigerians are left waiting and hoping for the leadership that will finally lift their burden, not add to it.

As in the scripture, there is a warning. Leaders who continue to lay heavier burdens on their people without a clear path to relief must recognize that the consequences of such actions may be far-reaching. It is time for the Nigerian government to reassess its direction and truly address the suffering of its people, before the scourging becomes unbearable.

At this juncture, it is expedient to urge President Tinubu to free Nigerians from the scourge of economic hardship as the burden is increasingly becoming unbearable by each passing day.

Since he took the reins of leadership in May 2023, Nigerians have found themselves grappling with a new level of economic hardship. While the nation had long been accustomed to challenging times, the current situation has escalated to a point where daily survival for many is becoming nearly impossible. The policies and economic measures rolled out by this administration, though intended to stabilize the economy, seem to be deepening the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

From fuel subsidy removal to soaring inflation, Nigerians are now facing a cost of living that has reached unprecedented levels. The price of basic goods, transportation, and housing has skyrocketed, making everyday life unaffordable for millions of citizens. Food prices, in particular, have surged, with staples like rice, beans, and cassava, the very foundation of Nigerian diets, becoming luxuries for many. While the rich may find ways to navigate these challenges, the masses, who form the backbone of the country, are suffering in silence.

A quick trip to any market in Lagos, Abuja, or any of Nigeria’s other bustling cities will reveal the growing frustration. At a market in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, a woman named Iya Wale lamented, “Shebidem tell us say cassava, ewa and agbado go cheap wen we vote for them, today we nor fit buy dem for market.” This echoes the sentiment of many Nigerians who feel betrayed by the promises made by the current administration.

As if that wasn’t enough, the national currency, the naira, has plummeted, making imports even more expensive and compounding the problems for local businesses and consumers alike. The ripple effect has spread across all sectors, from healthcare to education, leaving many Nigerians to be groaning under pricey goods and services.  The hardship is no longer a mere inconvenience; it has become an existential threat.

In a nation where unemployment rates are already high and where businesses are struggling to keep their doors open, the situation is quickly becoming a recipe for disaster.

While it is true that Tinubu’s government has inherited some of these challenges from previous administrations, it is also clear that the current trajectory is unsustainable. More than ever, Nigerians need relief. They need policies that will ease their burden, not ones that will intensify it. It is not enough to make lofty promises or announce palliative measures that fail to reach the intended beneficiaries. Concrete steps must be taken to address the root causes of the economic crisis.

First, there is a need for strategic intervention in key sectors like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. Nigerian farmers, for instance, should receive robust support to boost local food production, which will help reduce the dependence on imports and lower food prices. Additionally, the government must urgently address the power supply issues that cripple businesses, ensuring that industries can thrive and provide jobs for millions of unemployed youths. Though, in Lagos, electricity supply is improved, and therefore the progress should be improved.

Second, Tinubu’s administration must work towards stabilizing the naira and curbing inflation. A combination of sound monetary policies, fiscal discipline, and transparency in governance will go a long way in restoring confidence in the economy. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Ministry of Finance must act in concert to reduce the current economic volatility.

Third, social welfare programs should be revamped to ensure that the most vulnerable in society receive the help they so desperately need. The distribution of palliatives, be it cash transfers or food supplies, must be transparent and efficient. Every Nigerian should feel the impact of government intervention, not just a select few.

Finally, there must be an immediate dialogue between the government and key stakeholders, including labor unions, civil society organizations, and the business community, to chart a way forward. The current approach of implementing economic policies without meaningful consultation will only lead to further alienation of the people.

President Tinubu, you came into office with a vision for a better Nigeria. While it is true that nation-building is no easy task, the current hardship is too much for ordinary citizens to bear. Nigerians are resilient, but they are not invincible. If the current economic direction is not corrected, the consequences could be dire, not just for the citizens, but for the stability of the nation as a whole.

The time for action is now. Nigerians are pleading for relief from the scourge of economic hardship. They are calling on you, their president, to hear their cries and deliver on your promises of a better future. Leadership is not just about making tough decisions, but about ensuring that those decisions uplift the lives of the people. Tinubu, the people are waiting. Free Nigerians from this unbearable burden that finds expression in 1 Kings 12:11, with its inherent words that say, “My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions”