Nigerians express hopes for the new year 2022

In what has become a tradition over the years, Christians and non-Christians in Nigeria visit various worship centers' to pray their way into the New Year. For others, it is the pubs or relaxation spots.

At the turn of every year, Nigerians do have plans and expectations for the incoming year.

2022 is expected to witness an increase in political activities in the year preceding the 2023 general elections.

Some residents of Lagos Nigeria shared some of their expectations for the new year with our correspondent David Taylor.

"For 2022, it is going to be few months to the next general elections in Nigeria; I expect the government to perform well. They will try to do their best, so that citizens can vote for them again. I think they need to be better and set their priorities straight"- Oreoluwa Adeyeye, Content Creator.

**"I pray that in the New Year, majority of the youths and Nigerians in general will be able to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC). I know a lot of people are of the opinion that their votes do not count but I am here to tell you in my capacity as a media person, and as a journalist that your vote counts. If your vote does not count, you will not see the politicians campaigning with bags of rice and beans, giving you money and cooked food"- **Betyana Nwelih, an On- Air Personality in Lagos told our correspondent.

"These politicians do all these because they want your vote". Nwelih added.

"We need to improve ourselves; we tend to imitate the western world which I feel is wrong. We have a voice, which needs to be heard. Lukman Iyiol, Entrepreneur

For 22 year old Richlaw Okon, a Lagos based model, the outlook is more of a positive one. **"I see a better Africa, I see good Leaders emerging, I see good leaders coming together for this spirit of oneness in Leadership, Sport and Economy". **

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a 2.7 per cent economic growth for Nigeria in 2022 citing a recovery in the non-oil sectors and the rising price of crude oil.

For many Nigerians, the hope is that this would translate into meaningful impact in living standards which has particularly taken a hit from the adverse economic effect of COVID-19 and a falling Naira.