SWUYN writes President Tinubu to address suffering of poor masses

OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT, SOCIETY FOR THE WELFARE OF UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS OF NIGERIA (SWUYN), COMR. PREYE V. TAMBOU

6th April, 2025

His Excellency,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Rock Presidential Villa,
Abuja, FCT

Your Excellency, Mr. President,

I am writing to you today as a concerned Nigerian, passionate about the future of our great nation. As you reflect on your administration’s impact while in France, consider the plight of Nigerians struggling to make ends meet, particularly the crippling struggles of unemployed youths. The suffering of many is not just a result of economic hardship but also of poor governance, bad reforms, and ineffective policies. The current state of affairs is a stark reminder that the Ministries of Labour and Employment, and Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and related Ministeries and Agencies are not yielding desired results.

Mr. President, considering the rising cases of poverty, hunger, and youth unemployment, it is imperative to assess the effectiveness of these Ministries and Agencies. With over 87 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, these ministries’ current strategies are not yielding desired results.

Despite efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, unemployment rates remain high. The federal and state ministers, have been in office, but tangible results are scarce and in spite of having Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, poverty rates continue to soar, indicating a lack of effective poverty alleviation strategies.

Mr. President, we urge you to take bold action to address these pressing issues. Consider replacing these current ministers with more competent and innovative leaders who can drive meaningful change. If necessary, consider restructuring or merging these ministries to create a more efficient and effective system. Implement fresh approaches to address poverty, hunger, and unemployment, focusing on sustainable solutions and inclusive economic growth.

The harsh realities of hardship, poverty, unemployment, and hunger have become an unbearable weight for many Nigerians. The recent incidents of fuel tankers falling and people risking their lives to collect fuel despite the risk of fire outbreaks is a stark example of how hunger has made people lose their moral compass. Sir, another distressing incident occurred just yesterday where a truck loaded with foodstuff fell on a bad express road, and Nigerians risked an explosion to loot the foodstuff without considering the business owner(s). Hunger has pushed Nigerians to the edge, making them prioritize survival over safety.

The current state of our nation is dire. While we condemn the looting of business owners’ goods, we urge your government to address the root cause of the problem – poverty, hunger, starvation, and unemployment. We need to recognise the human cost of hunger and take immediate action to alleviate it. We believe that by addressing these underlying issues, we can prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

As someone who has held various leadership positions, including Governor of Lagos State and now President, you have demonstrated your ability to drive change and implement policies that positively impact lives. Your economic policies, known as “Tinubunomics,” and “Renewed Hope” initiatives aims to overhaul the Nigerian economy and government finances. However, we need more than just economic reforms; we need inclusive policies that address the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

As a nation, we are at a crossroads, and it is important that we address these challenges head-on. The human cost of hunger and unemployment is staggering. With over 87 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, it is clear that current strategies are not working. The poverty rate stands at 38.9%, with the North and South regions experiencing significantly different poverty levels, ranging from 27% in Ondo to 91% in Sokoto.

Vulnerable populations are not receiving sufficient support, exacerbating the humanitarian situation. The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) reveals that 63% of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, experiencing deprivations in areas like sanitation, healthcare, and food security.

Efforts on targeted interventions, such as cash transfer programmes, vocational training, and microfinance initiatives, must be doubled to support vulnerable populations. Encouraging private sector involvement in job creation and economic development can stimulate growth and employment opportunities.

The suffering of Nigerians is an outcome of not only the poverty of the mind but bad reforms, policy decisions, inexperienced appointees, and poor governance. Those things they are carrying cannot in any way change their condition. Things are hard in the country, even the person they are carrying his or her goods are facing the same hardship.

As Mr. President is on a working vacation to reflect on your administration’s progress, please prioritize the pressing issues affecting Nigerians. The harsh realities of hardship, poverty, unemployment, and hunger demand immediate attention and strategic planning to alleviate the suffering of our people.

Mr. President, we need more than just reflection; we need tangible action. Declare a State of Emergency on Unemployment and Hardship, and let us work together to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.