The Cry of the Common Man: Why President Tinubu Must Act on Social Welfare Now -By Yasir Shehu Adam

In a time when Nigerians are struggling to afford even a single meal, social welfare should not be an option but a necessity. More than 80% of citizens cannot afford three square meals a day, yet promises of financial relief and social intervention programs remain unfulfilled. The discontinuation of N-Power, once a lifeline for millions of youths, has left many in deeper poverty. Despite assurances of reforms and alternative programs, the suffering continues, and the government must act urgently.

Since the suspension of N-Power and other National Social Investment Programs (NSIP) by President Tinubu in early 2024, millions of beneficiaries have been left stranded. Many relied on stipends from the program to support their families, pay rent, and survive in this harsh economy. While the government announced plans to reform the program and introduce a new welfare scheme, nothing concrete has reached the people.

The government approved ₦32.7 billion for NSIP in 2025, promising low-interest loans of ₦300,000 to ₦400,000 to help citizens start businesses. However, who is getting this money? The people who were abandoned by N-Power are still waiting for their unpaid stipends, and many of them were part of Batch C, which was promised bonuses but never received a single kobo.

While some reforms have been announced, their implementation remains unclear. The N-Power Batch C beneficiaries were promised bonuses as compensation for delays, but these promises have not been fulfilled. Many have lost faith in the system, as they see their government making commitments but failing to follow through.

Every day, the cost of living rises. Food prices are beyond the reach of the common man, and transportation costs have doubled. A government that fails to provide basic welfare support is setting the stage for hunger-driven protests and unrest. The people need urgent solutions, not empty speeches.

1. Immediate Payment of N-Power Batch C Bonuses – The government must honor its promises and release the pending stipends to former beneficiaries. They were part of the system, and they should not be abandoned.

2. Transparency in New Social Programs – The ₦32.7 billion allocated for welfare should be accessible to every struggling Nigerian, not just a few elites. The government must publish clear guidelines on how citizens can apply for and receive this support.

3. Expand Welfare to More Citizens – The current programs do not cover everyone in need. More people must be included, especially youths, women, and low-income earners, who make up the majority of those suffering.

4. Subsidies on Essential Goods – If cash payments are difficult, the government should subsidize food, fuel, and transportation to reduce the burden on the masses.

5. Public Accountability – Nigerians deserve to know where the money is going. There should be a public database of beneficiaries to ensure that welfare funds are reaching the right people.

Mr. President, the people are crying. This is not about politics; this is about survival. You promised a better life for Nigerians, but today, many cannot even afford a meal. The suffering is real, and the time to act is NOW. Listen to the people, fulfill your promises, and give every Nigerian a chance to live with dignity.

Nigeria needs a leader who truly cares about its people. Mr. President, will you be that leader?

This is not just my voice; this is the voice of millions of Nigerians. Act now before it is too late.