A Wasted Year?

As we approach the end of 2015, - corporate and personal bank balances hovering just above zero, exchange rates gleefully waving two fingers at us as they spiral into the abyss, job losses becoming the norm, food prices increasing daily with gay abandon, ministers larking around without portfolio, and not a hint of any kind of economic policy or direction in sight, the question 'Has this been a wasted year?'comes to mind. 

Actually in truth that question has been hankering away at my subconscious for many weeks now, as one tries to rustle up the remaining residue of optimism to make plans for 2016. 

All that remains is for us to tell each other that "It Will Be Better Next Year. Horaaaaaay!!"

But will it? 

Will it really be better next year? 

How so? 

Based on what exactly?

Crude oil price will most likely fall to around US$30 per barrel; major corporations are all too likely to retrench extensively; the exchange rate will continue to kick us where the sun don't shine; and the economy will contract further before anything else. So why exactly will next year be better???

But let's get back to the matter at hand - 2015. 

I asked a cross section of people whether 2015 has been a wasted year. Here's what they had to say.

"Economy is shit. Our markets have been in the pits since the start of the year. Ministers still have no portfolios. It's as though it's been a whole year of campaigning. "

"We're coming from a situation wherein a country has been fully depleted of its resources. There needs to be a basis of something to build on."

"Not at all. Its been a good year in terms of dismantling and building proper institutions. But Nigerians should learn to face reality; these are bitter pills to swallow, and there are no quick fixes. 2016 is going to be tougher, but surviving will be the equivalent of winning next year. But rest assured after the storm will be 2017, the year of recovery and growth".

"No...it has been a slow year, but good nonetheless."

"I think it has. With the number of months we've gone without ministers a lot of things have stalled. It's ridiculous that we still don't know which ministers are responsible for what. Hopefully once the ministers get their portfolios things will pick up again. Too many things have been put on hold. There's too much uncertainty. It's almost like we're stuck in a never-ending show that should have ended after thirty minutes."

"We had historic elections; a wretched government got removed from office. At least we can count that as something."

"It feels that way. I'm just hoping that something is being done that we are not seeing."

"I wouldn't say so. Some good things have happened, such as successful elections. But people are still dying because of Boko Haram. There's hope sha. With the new ministers the economy will hopefully improve."

"I don't think it's been a wasted year. Financially definitely. I think we could have hit reality, and from now on we will build on proper and firm foundations, as against building on a false economy. In terms of how much money families have made, I can understand why many individuals would think it's been a wasted year."

In my opinion it's been a brutally tough year. I can't recall such a year as this - wherein the economy and business as we know it have literally come to a stand still. And let's stop telling ourselves that next year will be better. It could be - but not in the way we're thinking. 

The economy won't suddenly be buzzing again, business will not suddenly be free flowing, and you won't once again be able to send your kids to the most expensive schools at the slightest whim.

A levelling is taking place. It's time for us all to admit that reality and adjust our thinking accordingly. 

My advice for you and me?

1. Accept and embrace the reality that PMB's focus is on the following;

A. Plug every hole of corruption

B. Implement a system that is fair to all

C. Build a new Nigeria on the principles of Social Welfare

D. Education, Housing, and Healthcare

Then ask yourself how you can help him achieve his goals. 

By so doing you will not only help him achieve his goals but also derive immense fulfilment from playing your part in the building of a new Nigeria. Then, and only then is it possible that next year could be better. 

Buhari's focus is not you and me. His focus is on enabling those who have never had a chance or a say to make something of themselves - to be educated and to strive to be better. 

The question you should be asking yourself is;

"In What Way Can I Help?"