Abuja, Nigeria-January, 16th 2024 – A new public opinion poll released by NOIPolls reveals the top three key and important areas Nigerians want the government to focus on in the year 2024 and these include security (52 percent), job creation (46 percent) and electricity (40 percent). Other areas Nigerians want the government to focus on to solve the challenges in the areas include price regulation (36 percent), reconsideration of subsidy removal (30 percent), economy (20 percent), agricultural sector, and education both tied at (19 percent), Infrastructure (11 percent), giving of soft loans (7 percent) and upward review of the minimum wage (5 percent) amongst other areas mentioned by adult Nigerians.
The frightening spate of insecurity in Nigeria has become a liability for the government as it is their sole responsibility to secure the lives and properties of Nigerians. It is crippling economic activities across the nation as there is an obvious link between the insecurity in Nigeria and the living condition of its citizens. The widespread insecurity in the country has led to the disruption of agricultural activities which is the largest employer of labor and the largest economic sector in the country (25.9% of GDP in 2021). Agriculture also provides input for various manufacturing companies. Nigeria’s high food inflation rate, which stood at 17.2% in March 2022, is largely attributed to the increasing scourge of insecurity in the country’s Northern region.[1]
Beyond the agricultural sector, unemployment generally especially amongst those within the youthful age has become worrisome. The incidence of high unemployment in Nigeria can be attributed to the slow pace of job creation, which has been considerably weaker than labor force growth.[2] Keeping Nigerians engaged and productive, especially the younger population will reduce the incidences of excessive behaviors and criminality.
Another bothersome trend is the spate of electricity supply in Nigeria which has remained grossly inadequate hence affecting household and commercial demands. Nigerians self-generate a significant portion of their electricity with highly polluting off-grid alternatives and at a cost that is more than twice the cost of grid-based power. How can the Nigerian people and industries be globally competitive without access to affordable and reliable power?[3]
With a major focus on the aforementioned areas of priority, there is a need for the government to expedite action to ameliorate the current challenging socio-economic situation and create a sustainable living condition for Nigerians. These are some of the key highlights from the New Year Poll conducted in the week commencing January 8th, 2024.
Survey Background
At the stroke of midnight on the 1st January 2024 the euphoric and nostalgic chant of “Happy New Year” rented the air heralding the dawn of a new year in every part of the globe. People all over the world chanted with excitement and euphoria as 2023 eased out. New years are associated with new beginnings and opportunities for growth. As it is the norm in African societies where communal living is entrenched and family life is held in high esteem, the new year is celebrated with families and friends. It is typically considered an extension of the Christmas celebration.
Amidst the celebration and fanfare, the question of what the new year holds for Nigerians is heavy in the hearts of many citizens. With all the surprises, changes, and adjustments Nigerians had to deal with in 2023, a feasible and honest road map for national development is anticipated from the government of the day. Nigerians are eager to find out from their leaders: Will living conditions improve? Will food prices crash? Will there be improved security? Will wages increase? Will the fuel prices drop? Will Nigerians see a drop in foreign exchange rates? Will healthcare improve? Will there be improved infrastructure? Will Nigerians be allowed to “breathe”?
As Nigerians anticipate a better year, it would be heartwarming to see tangible improvement in the key areas Nigerians have pointed out, in security, job creation, and electricity amongst others. Whether the wish of Nigerians will materialize for good or get worse remains to be seen as the year unfolds.
Against this backdrop, NOIPolls surveyed to find out the views of Nigerians regarding their expectations for the new year and hereby presents its findings.
Survey Findings
Nigerians were asked the top three areas they want the government to focus its attention on in the year 2024 and the poll results reveal that the top three key areas include Security (52 percent), Job creation (46 percent), and Electricity (40 percent). Other areas Nigerians want the government to pay attention to include price regulation (36 percent), reconsideration of subsidy removal (30 percent), economy (20 percent), agricultural sector and education (19 percent), infrastructure (11 percent), giving of soft loans (7 percent), upward review of minimum wage (5 percent), improve key sectors and roll out empowerment programs (3 percent).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the poll results reveal that Nigerians want the government to focus its attention on three key areas which include security, job creation, and electricity. This is an agenda-setting endeavor by Nigerians to the government as these areas have been long neglected by the government and the effect of neglect is felt by everyone in the country. For instance, due to neglect in the security sector, Nigerians experience loss of lives every time there is an attack in their communities and they live in fear and trepidation, and no economy can grow given such dire circumstances. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the government to move in this direction with the view of ameliorating the problem so that ordinary Nigerians will experience a better life in the year 2024. It remains to be seen if the government will heed the yearnings of Nigerians or will turn a blind eye while Nigerians continue to count their losses.
Survey Methods
The opinion poll was conducted in the week commencing January 8th, 2024. It involved telephone interviews of a proportionate nationwide sample of 1,000 randomly selected phone-owning Nigerians aged 18 years and above, representing the six geo-political regions and 36 states and the FCT of the country. Interviews were conducted in 5 languages – Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Pidgin English, and English. Although we can say with 95% confidence that the results obtained were statistically precise – within a margin of error of plus or minus 4.65%; we recognize that the exclusive use of telephone polling has its limitation of excluding non-phone-owning Nigerians. Nonetheless, with the country’s tele density put over 100 per cent by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), we consider our telephone polling approach appropriate. Also, given the rigorous scientific process of randomization and stratification applied, we can confidently stand by the validity of our methodology and approach. NOIPolls Limited, No. 1 for country-specific polling services in West Africa. We conduct periodic opinion polls and studies on various socio-economic and political issues in Nigeria. More information is available at www.noi-polls.com.
Disclaimer
This press release has been produced by NOIPolls Limited to provide information on all issues which form the subject matter of the document. Kindly note that while we are willing to share results from our polls with the public, we only request that NOIPolls be acknowledged as authors whenever and wherever our poll results are used, cited, or published. NOIPolls hereby certifies that all the views expressed in this document accurately reflect the views of respondents surveyed for the poll, and background information is based on information from various sources that it believes are reliable; however, no representation is made that it is accurate or complete. Whilst reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document, no responsibility or liability is accepted for errors or facts, or any views expressed herein by NOIPolls for actions taken because of information provided in this report. Any ratings, forecasts, estimates, opinions, or views herein constitute a judgment as of the date of this document. If the date of this document is not current, the views and content may not reflect NOIPolls' current findings and/or thinking.
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