In separate interviews on Wednesday in Ibadan, Nigerians called on the federal government to ensure economic stability and enhance the welfare of the citizens in 2023.

Olaniyi Olawuyi, an electrical-electronic artisan, said his expectations for Nigeria were for things to turn around for good.

Mr Olawuyi decried the level of hardship which he said people were going through in the country.

“I am pleading with the government to fix all that needs to be fixed in 2023; that is my expectation,” Mr Olawuyi said.

Sanmi Olatunde, an employee of a private organisation, said his expectations for the country economically were for the country to be prosperous.

“I want our economy to be better because the inflation rate is too high.

“My expectation is that the government will put measures in place to reduce the inflation level.

Mr Olatunde also urged the government to increase the workers’ salaries.

“This is because things are expensive beyond what the present salary can cater for and the economic realities in the country. Workers, whose incomes are static, are languishing,” he said.

Also, Rotimi Omoniyi, an architect, said the government should do everything possible to stabilise the economy and see that the naira appreciates.

Mr Omoniyi said if the government could ensure the economy’s stability, it would help many companies that were comatose and the start-up businesses to thrive.

“Many investors will once again invest in the Nigerian economy if stability is ensured,” he said.

Mayowa Olayinka, a businessman, said that the government should prioritise education to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“Vices would reduce if our youths were educated and gainfully employed.

“It doesn’t have to be a white-collar job. But a good education will put anyone in good stead to survive and thrive in life,” Mr Olayinka said.

He said the government should ensure that in 2023 there is no industrial action in the nation’s tertiary institutions, warning that such would further damage the already bad state of the sector.

Also, Emmanuel Oko said the country should enjoy progress in the new year.

“We want the government to feel our pulse and put in place the right policies and implementation for the good of ordinary Nigerians,” Mr Oko said. 

(NAN)