Some Nigerians have described the outgoing year as a period marked by crippling hardship, insecurity and deep uncertainty, expressing cautious hope that 2026 will bring relief.

Respondents who spoke to Vanguard in Owerri were unanimous in their assessment of 2025 as one of the most difficult years in recent times.

Chinonso Nze said the year was extremely tough for most Nigerians, especially those involved in small-scale trading and commerce.

“The outgoing year was a very tough one for most Nigerians. The economic climate was anything but good,” he said. “Those of us who are into buying and selling can testify that 2025 was a troubling year. Surviving the year remains a miracle.”

Nze attributed the hardship to spiralling inflation and worsening insecurity across the country.

“Apart from the inflation that engulfed the nation, we also had to contend with insecurity and the senseless killing of innocent people, most times for no reason at all,” he said. “The nation’s highways were unsafe. Commuters were randomly rounded up and herded into forests like cows. I pray we will never have another year like 2025.”

Looking ahead, he urged the government to prioritise the welfare of citizens, particularly in light of the new tax regime expected to commence in 2026.

“There is palpable fear that the new tax regime scheduled to take off in 2026 will be hard on citizens,” Nze said. “The Federal Government should note that its primary responsibility is the welfare of the people. Anything outside this is anti-people.”

In her contribution, a widow, Mrs. Tina Udoka, described widowhood in Nigeria as a deeply painful and challenging experience, worsened by the harsh economic realities of 2025.

“Widowhood in the Nigerian context is a terrible experience,” she said. “Caring for and sustaining four children in the harsh economic climate of 2025 was not easy at all.”

Udoka questioned the existence of effective feedback and welfare mechanisms at different levels of government.

“I do not know if governments at all levels have functional feedback mechanisms. It is most unfortunate if they don’t,” she said. “What educational programmes are in place for orphaned children? What welfare packages does government have for widows?”

Expressing uncertainty about the future, she said she hoped 2026 would be less difficult than the outgoing year.

“As I lament my sordid experience in 2025, I do not know what 2026 holds for us. I sincerely hope it will not be as tough,” she said.

Udoka also called on government to design sustainable employment and empowerment programmes for youths.

“It is my earnest prayer that government will work out credible and sustainable employment programmes for youths in 2026,” she said. “It is excruciating for widows when, after struggling to educate our children, they end up without gainful employment or start-up support to begin their own businesses.”

Commenting on public office holders, she lamented what she described as self-serving leadership.

“Most public office holders serve themselves, their friends and families, instead of humanity,” she said. “This is the bane of our supposed democracy.” (VANGUARD)

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