2026 HAS come and the race to 2027 has begun. Uncertainty looms, and various voices are emerging. Religious leaders are sharing their prophecies, politicians are making moves – some seeking forgiveness, others threatening to expose secrets. Meanwhile, economy managers are offering reassurances that all will be well, displaying statistics that does not reflect reality. Terrorpreneurs are expressing their rejection of America’s offer to assist Nigeria in combating insecurity and are making foul statements.
To expect that Nigeria will fare well economically, politically, security wise and even religiously in 2026, is like doing the same thing repeatedly and be expecting a different result. Our people pray for good governance, but they rather vote for bad leaders from their ethnic groups than good ones from another ethnicities. We want good economy, but we sing praises of looters that are supposed to be in jail. The looters are also given front seat in our religious gatherings. We are very docile, always deluding ourselves with the notion that some powers are coming from somewhere to assist us.
Nigeria’s economy is poised for a challenging year, given the flawed tax system and the incumbent president’s interest in re-election. The 2025 economic performance, marked by poor governance and lack of accountability, is likely to spill over into 2026. Despite claims of improved economic indicators, Nigerians continue to grapple with high inflation, food prices, transportation costs, and rent. The disconnect between official statistics and lived realities is stark. With no noticeable decrease in costs of essential goods and services like cement, building materials, airfare, and school fees, many Nigerians will struggle to make ends meet. Due to high cost of transportation, many people who travelled this festive period may likely be trapped at home.
A country with a high youth population of around 60% of its population, you’d expect that its youth will be a driving force for meaningful development in all spheres. Instead, many are being primed to fuel hatred, bigotry, and divisiveness – often by politicians and religious extremists. It is dismaying to see young people feting leaders who have looted our resources and inflicted suffering on the nation. So many are standing on feeble mandates that guarantee only hardship.
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As election season approaches, jobless youths are being primed for recruitment by politicians, often to carry out dubious tasks like ballot box snatching or unleashing violence on opponents. The recent activities in Rivers State, where FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is on a tour, are stark reminders of this issue. The crowds, largely made up of young people, are openly declaring their availability to be used, a disturbing trend that seems to be playing out across the nation during the festive period.
The security situation in Nigeria would not likely improve without Donald Trump’s intervention. Not because Nigeria army is incapable of handling the security challenge but due to concerns about the perceived complicity of some of our leaders and elites. The Nigerian army has a proven track record of gallantry in international peacekeeping missions, such as in Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, and Benin. It’s unreasonable to view them as weak given their experience and capabilities.
It’s disheartening to see some individuals advocating for negotiations with terrorists – unscrupulous criminals driven by greed rather than ideology. Meanwhile, others believe their goal is to Islamise and Fulanise the country. Notably, security agencies in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria have previously provided evidence of potential sponsors to past governments, but this information was never made public. In contrast, Western countries take a firm stance, prosecuting citizens involved in terrorism regardless of their status. Why are those in power in Nigeria shielding those responsible for these heinous acts?
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Allegations of corruption and sponsorship within the corridors of power have raised concerns. Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s comments about Boko Haram’s alleged infiltration of his government is still echoing in our memory. Meanwhile, some advocate for negotiations with terrorist groups despite Nigerians being aware that their kidnapping and ransom demands are a tactic to secure funding without accountability. It’s a strategy that shifts the burden to innocent Nigerians and government. Typically, governments don’t negotiate with terrorists. A collaborative effort between the Tinubu administration and global powers like the US to combat terrorism could yield significant results and will write Tinubu’s name on a golden slate. However, critics of external intervention, including those opposed to Trump’s involvement, have not suggested a better alternative.
By all calculations, assumptions, and permutations, 2026 looks set to be a very challenging year. The reason isn’t divine fate, but rather the self-serving actions of leaders who are likely to plunder state resources, leaving little for the people. It’s shaping up to be a year of reckoning, or rather, a year of plunder. The locusts are already here.
Nigeria’s economy is poised for a challenging year, given the flawed tax system and the incumbent president’s interest in re-election. The 2025 economic performance, marked by poor governance and lack of accountability, is likely to spill over into 2026. Despite claims of improved economic indicators, Nigerians continue to grapple with high inflation, food prices, transportation costs, and rent. The disconnect between official statistics and lived realities is stark. With no noticeable decrease in costs of essential goods and services like cement, building materials, airfare, and school fees, many Nigerians will struggle to make ends meet. Due to high cost of transportation, many people who travelled this festive period may likely be trapped at home.
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Nigerians won’t be swayed by empty government propaganda in 2026 after 31 months of hardship. The past 31 months of President Bola Tinubu’s government, have been the darkest period in Nigeria’s history since independence, with skyrocketing living costs and regular borrowing despite subsidy removal and increased electricity tariffs. The country’s quality of life has deteriorated significantly, and there’s no clear plan to turn things around in 2026. It’s time for those in power to focus on tangible solutions rather than propaganda.
Nigeria’s government seems more adept at meeting expectations in one area: corruption. As the 2026 electioneering period begins, politicians will likely prioritise accumulating wealth to influence voters. This could lead to a surge in suspended or abandoned projects, and governments at all levels may resort to serial borrowing under dubious pretexts. Furthermore, the democratic system may become increasingly vulnerable to manipulation, with the legislature and judiciary potentially becoming overly aligned with the executive.
By all calculations, assumptions, and permutations, 2026 looks set to be a very challenging year. The reason isn’t divine fate, but rather the self-serving actions of leaders who are likely to plunder state resources, leaving little for the people. It’s shaping up to be a year of reckoning, or rather, a year of plunder. The locusts are already here.
