WELCOME BACK
The HallowMace Foundation Africa gladly welcomes you back from your long recess. As you resume your sacred legislative duties, we urge you to direct your concerted efforts toward the critical national issues that profoundly impact the average Nigerian.
*The State Of The Nation: An Urgent Call For Action*
The Nigerian populace demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of mounting challenges. Your return to the hallowed chambers presents a pivotal opportunity to translate this public confidence into transformative legislative action that addresses the core areas of national life requiring immediate intervention.
*1 The Dwindling Economy: Stabilizing Growth And Expanding Its Benefits*
While recent economic reforms have shown early signs of stabilization, their benefits have not yet translated into tangible relief for most citizens .
*Key economic indicators present a mixed picture:*
· *Macroeconomic Gains:* Inflation has declined for five consecutive months, falling to 20.1% in August 2025, and the economy grew by 4.2% in the second quarter .
· *Persistent Household Struggles:* Despite these gains, inflation remains high for the region, and a substantial public debt, climbing to around $100 billion by early 2025 threatens the government’s ambitious economic targets .
· *Investment Concerns:* A significant proportion of foreign capital inflows are short-term *”hot money” chasing high yields,* while longer-term Foreign Direct Investment remains sluggish, indicating shaky investor confidence in sustainable growth .
*2 The Crisis Of Insecurity: Protecting Lives And Livelihoods*
Insecurity continues to plague various regions, manifesting in different forms that demand tailored security strategies:
· *Northwest And Northcentral:* “Bandit” gangs carry out frequent killings and mass kidnappings, with nearly 400 people reportedly abducted in Kaduna State in March 2024 alone . This violence has internally displaced over 1.3 million people by April 2024 .
· *Northeast:* The Boko Haram insurgency and its factions persist, with one of the deadliest recent attacks killing at least 170 people in Yobe State .
· *Southeast:* Separatist agitations continue to fuel violence, leading to attacks on civilians and security personnel .
*3 High Cost Of Living:* From Essentials to Accommodation
The removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms have triggered a chain reaction of price increases, creating an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis .
· *Soaring Prices:* The absence of effective price controls allows the costs of essential goods, food, and services to be dictated entirely by market dynamics, often driven by production costs and market greed rather than actual value .
· *Eroded Purchasing Power:* Periodic salary increases, whether in the public or private sector, are immediately neutralized by concurrent hikes in commodity prices, eroding any financial relief for workers .
*4 The Ailing Health Sector: A System On The Brink*
Nigeria’s healthcare system faces an existential threat from a mass exodus of professionals and chronic underfunding.
· *Medical Brain Drain:* Over 20,000 Nigerian doctors practice abroad, leaving the country with an alarming doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:3,500, far short of the WHO recommendation of 1:600 . This exacerbates poor health indices, making Nigeria the highest contributor to maternal deaths globally .
· *Inadequate Funding:* The 2025 budget allocates just 5.18% to health, falling severely short of the 15% target committed to in the Abuja Declaration .
· *Financial Strain:* In 2022 alone, Nigerians spent over $1 billion on medical tourism, further impoverishing families and draining the national economy .
*5 Transportation Costs:* Easing the Burden of Mobility
As the Christmas season approaches, the cost of transportation is set to place an additional heavy burden on citizens traveling to reunite with families.
· *Projected Fare Hikes:* Travellers should anticipate a 20-30% increase in fares during the peak festive period starting December 21 . For instance, fares for a 15/16-seater bus to the Southeast, currently between N28,500 and N54,000, could rise to N35,000–N65,000 .
· *Underlying Causes:* This surge is driven by a seasonal demand spike and operational challenges like passenger imbalance, where buses returning to Lagos often struggle to fill their capacity .
*6 Deepening Poverty: Confronting A Grim Reality*
The economic pressures have pushed millions more into poverty, with stark regional and demographic disparities.
· *Widespread Deprivation:* It is estimated that over 54% of Nigerians lived in poverty by 2024, an increase of 42 million people in just six years . The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where 75.5% of the population lives below the poverty line .
· *Multidimensional Poverty:* Key indicators reveal that 32.6% of Nigerians lack access to standard drinking water, 45.1% lack standard sanitation, and 39.4% have no electricity .
*A Call To Legislative Action: The Nation Awaits*
Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, the HallowMace Foundation Africa, and the entire Nigerian populace urge you to consider the following legislative priorities:
· *Economy:* Enact laws that not only promote macroeconomic stability but also include robust social safety nets to cushion the most vulnerable from the shocks of economic reforms.
· *Security:* Allocate sufficient resources and strengthen legal frameworks to enhance security agencies’ capacity, addressing both terrorism and widespread banditry.
· *Cost of Living:* Critically review and update legislation around price control mechanisms and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to protect consumers from exploitative market practices .
· *Healthcare:* Prioritize bills that significantly increase health sector funding, improve the welfare of health workers to curb brain drain, and strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure .
· *Poverty Alleviation:* Legislate and oversee the effective implementation of poverty reduction programs, investing in education, health, and infrastructure as foundational pillars for inclusive growth .
*A Point To Note*
The nation holds you in confidence and expects you to live up to its expectations. Your legacy will be defined by the tangible improvements you foster in the living conditions of every Nigerian. The time for decisive action is now.
*Respectfully Submitted by:*
*HallowMace Foundation Africa*
*Signed.*
– Amb. Anderson Osiebe
*Executive Director*
HallowMace foundation Africa
– Amb. Oguh Hyginus John
*Head, Public Communication Desk*
HallowMace foundation Africa
