“Global Alarm as Nigerians Cry Out: ‘We Eat Less, Drink Water to Survive’ — ‘Everybody Don Turn Managing Director of Hunger’ as Citizens Slam Bola Ahmed Tinubu Over Crushing Hardship”
By Passman Akpos
A wave of public frustration and economic despair is sweeping across Nigeria, as citizens openly lament worsening living conditions, insecurity, and what many describe as a government increasingly disconnected from their daily struggles.
In a viral outburst reflecting the mood on the streets, Jennifer Ebiemi Livinus painted a stark contrast between past and present realities under former president Goodluck Jonathan and the current administration led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Former president Dr Goodluck time na the last time wey I eat food come sleep close to plate as a result of over feeding,” she lamented in pidgin English, capturing nostalgia for a period many now see as more economically stable.
Her frustration quickly turned into a biting critique of present conditions. “This regime na so so managing director everybody don be… eat small rice and drink 5 liters of water to full the stomach,” she said, describing the coping mechanisms Nigerians now adopt amid rising food prices and shrinking incomes.
In one of her most emotional remarks, she expressed deep concern about the future: “How I wish I fit stop women from getting pregnant so that dem no go bring children to this Nigeria to suffer… This kwontry don really tire me.”
Her sentiments resonated widely, triggering a flood of reactions from other Nigerians who echoed similar concerns about hardship, insecurity, and uncertainty about the country’s direction.
“This condition is devastating,” one respondent wrote. Another added, “Nigeria don tire me, I no lie,” underscoring a growing sense of exhaustion among citizens.
These emotional testimonies come at a time of heightened international concern over Nigeria’s security situation. The United States Department of State recently ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel and suspended visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, citing a “deteriorating security situation.”
The U.S. Mission Nigeria confirmed the shutdown in an official notice, advising applicants to await rescheduling while directing urgent services to Lagos.
The move follows an updated travel advisory maintaining Nigeria at Level 3, with expanded “Do Not Travel” warnings across several states due to terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest.
Security analysts warn that the decision could further damage Nigeria’s global image, discourage foreign investment, and deepen anxiety among citizens already grappling with economic hardship.
While government officials continue to assure the public that efforts are underway to stabilize both the economy and security architecture, many Nigerians say their lived experiences tell a different story—one marked by rising costs, limited opportunities, and growing fear.
For citizens like Livinus and countless others, the crisis is no longer abstract—it is personal, immediate, and deeply felt.
