A cross section of Nigerians have called on political leaders seeking election in 2027 to prioritise basic amenities, employment, security, and education to improve citizens’ living conditions.
The residents made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
Mr Etim Richard, a public servant, said successive governments had continued to make promises on basic amenities without significant improvements in the lives of citizens.
According to him, the power sector requires urgent attention, as regular electricity supply is critical to economic growth and business development.
“We have continued to talk about power, education, healthcare and roads for many years, yet little has changed. Nigerians are paying more for electricity but are not getting value for their money. The next administration should take power generation seriously because it affects every sector of the economy,” he said.
Richard said improved power supply would boost small and medium-scale enterprises, create jobs and improve citizens’ standard of living.
He also urged government at all levels to improve road infrastructure and strengthen security across the country.
According to him, many highways have become unsafe due to kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
“Most Nigerians travel by road. Government must ensure that our roads are safe and motorable,” he said.
Richard expressed concern over the growing rate of youth unemployment, warning that the situation could pose serious security challenges if not addressed.
Speaking on agriculture, he called for greater investment in the sector, noting that it had the potential to create millions of jobs and boost food production.
Also speaking, Ms Precious Adekunle, an accountant and finance operations professional, said citizens expected leaders to focus on the provision of basic amenities.
She identified quality education and accessible healthcare as key areas requiring urgent government intervention.
“Every Nigerian deserves access to good education and affordable healthcare services. Our leaders must invest more in these sectors because they directly affect the future of the country,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Samuel Adeyemi, a businessman, urged political leaders to implement policies that would reduce the cost of living and support local businesses.
Adeyemi said many business owners were struggling due to rising operational costs and unstable power supply.
He noted that improving infrastructure and creating a conducive business environment would encourage investment and create employment opportunities.
Similarly, Mrs Grace Okafor, a teacher, called for greater attention to the welfare of workers and pensioners.
She said many families were finding it difficult to cope with the rising cost of food and transportation.
Okafor urged elected officials to fulfil their campaign promises and introduce policies that would improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The respondents argued that the country’s challenges were not insurmountable but stressed the need for leaders to demonstrate commitment, transparency and accountability in addressing them.
They also encouraged citizens to turn out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility by electing credible and competent leaders.
They expressed optimism that the 2027 elections would produce leaders capable of tackling the nation’s economic and social challenges as well as delivering meaningful development to citizens.
(NAN)
