During his New Year broadcast on January 1, 2025, President Bola Tinubu had acknowledged the sufferings which Nigerians endured in the past months on account of the implementation of the economic policies of his government. Waxing somewhat emotional, he thanked  Nigerians for their patience and resilience in weathering the storm of hardship as government tried to find its bearing while navigating the complex challenges of economic re-engineering of the country.

Apealing for the understanding of all, he also used the opportunity to unveil broad-based plans that will fast-track a recovery process for the country and relief for long-suffering Nigerians.

According to the President: “To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain in the months ahead.” He did not stop there. “We will continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation. I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion dollar economy”.

But while the President’s empathetic acknowledgement of Nigerians sacrifices and his appeal to them to be partners in progress with his government are in order, it is imperative to point out that government is also under obligation to act fast to alleviate the prevailing hardship in the country. 

For sure, the past months have been a most difficult period for most Nigerians who have had to make tough sacrifices while enduring belt-tightening routines that have left them gasping for survival.

So, as a partner in progress with the people at a time that calls for sacrifices, government should reciprocate by demonstrating its commitment in this regard. Therefore, we advise that all elected and appointed officials at the federal level should accept a significant cut in salaries or allowances for a period, from six months to one year. Also included should be things like furniture and wardrobe allowances. 

We are aware that members of the House of Representatives in July last year resolved to slash their salaries by 50 per cent for six months as their own token to efforts to address the economic hardship arising from the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

The savings from this may not be huge but the gesture behind it is a symbolic way of communicating to the Nigerian people the willingness of those in government to also sacrifice or accept belt-tightening measures.

The President should also take seriously the issue of frivolous and fictitious items in the budget as identified and severally canvassed by civil society groups like the Centre for Social Justice, CSJ. These groups in the past took time and made efforts to identify fictitious items which if eliminated can save the government billions of Naira.

The president should also consider possible cut on wasteful expenditures that are not essential. Such expenditures include purchase of vehicles, external training, meals and refreshments at meetings, consultancy fees, etc.

We believe benefits of such sacrifices will certainly go a long way in assisting government in its economic recovery efforts. It will also help convince the people of government’s sincerity in the implementation of its various economic policies and programmes, while affirming that both government and the people are indeed true partners in sacrifices and progress.