Nigeria Reverts to Old National Anthem Amid Economic Hardship: A Case of Misplaced Priorities – Adejola Adeyemi Crown 

 – Adejola Adeyemi Crown 

In a move that has left many Nigerians puzzled and frustrated, the government has decided to revert to the country’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

This decision, made amidst significant economic challenges, has sparked widespread debate about the priorities of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and the National Assembly.

Critics argue that, rather than addressing symbolic matters, the government should focus on alleviating the economic hardships that plague the nation.

Nigeria is currently facing severe economic challenges. Inflation has soared to double digits, severely diminishing the purchasing power of the naira and making everyday life increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians.

Food prices have skyrocketed, fuel costs are at an all-time high, and unemployment rates continue to rise. In this context, the decision to revert to the old national anthem seems like a glaring misplacement of priorities.

The symbolic move to change the national anthem is seen by many as a distraction from the pressing economic issues that require immediate and robust intervention.

While fostering national unity and nostalgia might have its place, it does little to put food on the table or fuel in the tank for struggling Nigerians.

One of the most immediate concerns for Nigerians is the rising cost of basic commodities. Food prices have surged due to a combination of factors, including supply chain disruptions, higher transportation costs, and inadequate agricultural policies.

The average Nigerian family now spends a significant portion of their income on food, leaving little for other essentials. Fuel prices have also been a major source of distress.

With the removal of fuel subsidies, the cost of petrol has increased, leading to higher transportation costs and further exacerbating inflation. This has a cascading effect on the prices of goods and services, creating a cycle of economic strain that is difficult to break.

The strength of the naira on the international market is another critical issue. The naira has been on a downward trajectory, losing value against major currencies like the US dollar.

This devaluation has made imports more expensive, contributing to inflation and increasing the cost of living. Efforts to stabilize the naira have been hampered by policy inconsistencies and a lack of confidence in the government’s economic management.

Since taking office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implemented several economic policies aimed at revitalizing the economy. However, these measures have been widely criticized as insufficient and poorly executed.

The administration’s focus on diversifying the economy away from oil dependency has yet to yield significant results, and corruption continues to undermine economic progress.

For instance, initiatives to boost local production and reduce import dependency have not been matched with the necessary infrastructure and support.

The agricultural sector, which could be a key driver of economic growth, remains underdeveloped due to lack of investment and poor policy implementation.

The National Assembly also plays a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. Unfortunately, legislative inertia and a focus on political maneuvering have often taken precedence over enacting policies that would provide economic relief.

The Assembly has been criticized for its slow response to urgent economic issues and its failure to hold the executive accountable. Rather than addressing the critical economic challenges, the Assembly has frequently been mired in political squabbles and short-term interests.

This lack of cohesive strategy and effective governance exacerbates the country’s economic problems.

The decision to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem highlights a significant disconnect between the government’s actions and the needs of its citizens.

While symbolic gestures may have their place, they do little to address the real and pressing issues facing the nation.

The Tinubu administration and the National Assembly must realign their priorities to focus on practical solutions that will alleviate economic hardships.

Reducing food and fuel prices, stabilizing the naira, and implementing effective economic policies should be at the forefront of the government’s agenda.

In these challenging times, Nigerians need concrete actions that will improve their quality of life and restore confidence in the nation’s economic future.

The symbolic return to the old anthem should serve as a reminder of the past, not a distraction from the urgent need to build a better future.

Adejola Adeyemi Crown, a Journalist Writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State adejola2010@gmail.com