Dear Nigerians, The Economy is Hard, But Are You Hardworking?
Everywhere you turn in Nigeria, one phrase echoes louder than a church bell on Sunday: “The economy is hard.” The taxi driver says it, the woman selling tomatoes says it, your neighbor says it, even the guy selling pure water says it. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if your gym instructor blames your weight gain on the economy too.
We compare today’s prices with what things cost 10 years ago, and the math never math. Then we blame everyone from the current president to Lord Lugard for our predicament. Yet, we seem to forget one basic truth: inflation happens everywhere. Even in “the abroad,” milk doesn’t cost what it did in 2013.
But here’s where the plot thickens: while we’re busy blaming the economy and government, we’ve ignored some fundamental truths about success. Let’s unpack this together.
1. We Run From Responsibility
We’ve made blaming the government a national sport. Some Nigerians will tell you, “I’m fat because the economy is bad; how can I afford the gym?” (As if jogging on the streets requires a subsidy). The truth is, we’ve become experts at outsourcing responsibility for our lives.
2. Commitment is Missing
The economy is bad, so we’ve made it an excuse to hop from one thing to another. Today you’re a photographer, tomorrow you’re a forex trader, next week you’re selling perfumes on Instagram. Commitment to a path is a non-negotiable key to success, but we’re too busy blaming the economy to stay focused.
3. Focus is a Luxury
Our lack of focus is almost an Olympic sport. The economy is bad, so we’re scrolling through TikTok when we should be perfecting our craft. How can you make it in life if your idea of commitment is binge-watching Netflix? Success and focus go hand in hand, but distractions don’t care about the state of the economy.
4. We Don’t Want to Learn
Knowledge is the currency of success, but most of us would rather stay in our comfort zones. Instead of learning new skills or improving the ones we have, we sit back and say, “What’s the point? The economy is bad.” My friend, if you’re not improving, you’re stagnating. And in today’s world, stagnation is regression.
The Truth?
Yes, the economy is hard. Nobody is disputing that. But even in this same Nigeria, there are people thriving legally and ethically without selling their souls.
Ask yourself this: “If others can succeed despite the economy, what’s stopping me?” The answer isn’t the economy. It’s you. It’s your unwillingness to step up, take responsibility, commit, focus, and learn.
Final Word (With a Sprinkle of Humor)
Yes, the economy is hard. But so is life. So is making amala without lumps, and yet we still do it! Success isn’t about waiting for the perfect economy; it’s about showing up, doing the work, and putting in the extra effort.
Stop blaming the economy for everything, biko. Even your inability to cook jollof rice well is not Tinubu’s fault.
