On Feb. 25, Nigerians will troop out in their numbers to elect a new president that will oversee the affairs of the country for the next four years.
This election holds immense significance for young Nigerians, particularly in light of the current economic difficulties, insecurity, and exclusion from the political process and decision-making.
Battabox reviews five major problems that the next president should be ready to address.
SEE:
- FACT CHECK: Peter Obi Made Multiple False Claims At Economic Summit Dialogue
- 2023: Major Presidential Contenders Enmeshed In Financial Scandals As Nigeria Goes To Polls
- 2023: Major Presidential Contenders Enmeshed In Financial Scandals As Nigeria Goes To Polls
Food security
This is a pressing issue among Nigerians. The country is facing a lot of challenges posed by climate change, such as flooding, drought, and cyclones.
All of these have made people less food secure, particularly in communities near the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
Violent attacks
Nigerians have in the last decade faced a lot of security challenges. According to the Global Peace Index, Nigeria ranks 143 out of 163 countries globally.
This is a result of the activities of insurgent groups like Boko Haram. The conflicts in Nigeria are often driven by the proliferation of small and light weapons, porous borders, and ungoverned spaces.
Press freedom
Nigerians are deeply concerned about a lack of media freedom and hope that the incoming president allows the press to operate freely in discharging its duties. The media, both mainstream and digital, must be protected by law and the government must ensure digital rights, internet freedom, and digital sovereignty.
Nigeria is ranked one of the worst countries in Reporters Without Borders’ latest Press Freedom Index.
Equal representation
Nigerians want women to be represented better in governance and in parastatals.
The incoming president must be ready to promote gender equality in his appointments, without compromising on merit.
Corruption
Nigeria is ranked 150 out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index.
It is necessary for the next president to address the complicity of Nigerian citizens in corrupt activities as petty and grand corruption in the academic, judicial, and administrative sectors needs attention.