BY OGOAMAKA AMOS/RITA OYIBOKA/JUDITH OBIANUA
The church compound was already overflowing long before midnight. Cars were parked haphazardly along the road, spilling into nearby streets, their headlights cutting through the darkness. Inside the auditorium, every seat was taken. Outside, hundreds more stood shoulder to shoulder, some craning their necks toward mounted speakers, others clutching plastic chairs, determined not to miss a second of the crossover service.
For many of them, this was the only church service they would attend all year, but crossing over at home was unthinkable. In Nigeria, it is still a cultural and spiritual taboo to enter a new year without prayers, without blessings, without positioning oneself, at least symbolically, on God’s altar.
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, tension mixed with expectation. Ushers moved briskly, trying to manage the crowd. Choir members wiped sweat from their faces, their voices hoarse from hours of singing. Church stickers bearing the theme of the new year were already being traded, poised to be slapped on gates, doors, handbags, car dashboards, gas cylinders, basically any surface that needs God’s intervention. Outside, fireworks were waiting impatiently, knowing their moment would come once the new year was officially declared.
Then the pastor mounted the pulpit.
His voice cut through the noise like a trumpet blast. He announced that the old year was packing its bags. The congregation rose to its feet. A countdown began. Ten. Nine. Eight. Hands were lifted. Seven. Six.
Some people were already crying. Five. Four. Others bounced on their toes. Three. Two. One.
“Happy New Year!”
The shout was thunderous. The church erupted. Drums rolled. The choir burst into song. People screamed, danced, hugged strangers, and fell on their knees. Outside, fireworks lit up the sky in chaotic celebration, popping and crackling as if competing with the prayers rising from the ground. The pastor raised his hands again and shouted blessings into the new year, declaring prosperity, protection, breakthroughs and favour.
At some point, he made a familiar proclamation: “Whoever shouts the loudest ‘Amen’ will carry the blessing!”
The response was deafening.
This was not just noise. This was catharsis. Nigerians were not merely welcoming 2026; they were shaking off a year that had tested their endurance to the limit. Inflation had eaten deep into household incomes. The removal of fuel subsidy continued to ripple through transportation, food prices and rent. Insecurity remained a daily anxiety. Power supply was erratic. Jobs were scarce.
For many, 2025 had been a survival exercise, not a year of growth. And yet, here they were, shouting hope into a new calendar year.
A Nation Carrying the Weight of 2025:
To understand Nigerians’ expectations for 2026, one must first confront the reality of what they endured in 2025. Inflation was not just a statistic; it was a lived experience. Market prices changed weekly, sometimes daily. Salaries stayed static while costs soared. Families downsized meals. Dreams were postponed. Some were abandoned entirely.
The fuel subsidy removal, though long debated and framed as an economic necessity, landed heavily on ordinary citizens. Transport fares doubled and tripled. Commuting became a strategic decision. Businesses passed costs to consumers. The ripple effect was relentless.
Insecurity added another layer of fear. From highways plagued by kidnappings to reports of killings and communal clashes, safety was no longer assumed.
For Christians, particularly, attacks and deaths created a sense of vulnerability that spilt into churches, homes and conversations.
Power supply remained unreliable, crippling small businesses that relied on electricity to function. Healthcare facilities, especially at the primary level, struggled with inadequate equipment and manpower. Roads improved in some areas but remained death traps in others.
Against this backdrop, expectations for 2026 are not naïve optimism. They are strategic demands for survival, stability and dignity.
Personal Strategy Meets National Expectation
For Mr Emmanuel Orumgbe, a Delta-based welder, real estate agent and forex trader, 2026 is about execution, not wishful thinking.
Speaking with The Pointer, he laid out his expectations with clarity and intent.
“Every new year comes with expectations and plans to do better, and I am no different. I have clear plans and expectations, personally, business-wise and career-wise. On the business side, my focus is growth. My business is already registered.
Last year, I visited the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to seek proper guidance on how to run things correctly. Fundamentally, I want to expand my business. By the special grace of God, I started taking concrete steps towards that goal in December, and I am still pushing.
“My work used to focus mainly on building and personal projects for individuals. Now, I am deliberately expanding my scope by seeking contracts from institutions and government bodies. That is the direction I am heading, and that is why I am pushing harder, to make my business bigger and more structured.”
Orumgbe’s outlook reflects a growing trend among Nigerians who are no longer waiting for miracles alone. They are formalising businesses, seeking regulatory clarity and positioning themselves for larger opportunities. Faith, for them, is complemented by structure.
But personal ambition does not erase civic expectations.
“On expectations from the Sheriff Oborevwori and Bola Tinubu governments, yes, I do have expectations. First, there should be respect for the people. The government exists to serve citizens. You do not employ people, pay them, and then abandon responsibility. Workers deserve respect.
“My expectations are not new. Since 1999, when the Fourth Republic began, Nigerians have always had expectations from the government. At that time, I was much younger, but even then, people believed democracy would improve lives. One of the core objectives of democracy is that the dividends should reach everyone, good living conditions, good jobs, higher life expectancy, and access to necessities such as shelter, water and other amenities.”
His assessment is blunt and historically grounded.
“So even in 2025, and now looking ahead, I still expect the government to provide basic amenities and make life better for citizens. We deserve good governance. It is our right as a people.”
Industrialisation, Not Optics.
For Orumgbe, the pathway forward is industrialisation. “Specifically, I expect serious attention to industrialisation. Industrialisation will help move people from unemployment into self-employment and paid work. When a state is industrialised, both skilled and unskilled labour are needed, and people become gainfully employed.”
He also flagged employment gaps within the civil service.
“The state government should also employ people into ministries and commissions. Around June, I heard reports of civil servants being screened, and some automatically retired during an exercise in the state ministries. That creates gaps and vacancies. Those spaces should be filled. People should be employed in the civil service, ministries and commissions.”
While acknowledging visible efforts in infrastructure, especially road construction in the Warri axis, his praise came with conditions.
“I also want to acknowledge the state government. I am aware of work being done in the Warri axis, especially in road construction. The quality of some of the roads, particularly those constructed by Julius Berger, deserves commendation.
Small Businesses, Big Hopes:
At the grassroots, expectations are just as pragmatic. Jessica Emegha, a hairstylist, sees 2026 as an opportunity to scale.
“This year, I am looking forward to having more customers and better patronage. I also hope to secure funds that will enable me to upgrade my shop and acquire better equipment.
Another important expectation for me is to take in more apprentices, so young people can learn the trade and become self-reliant. Skill acquisition is very important, and we hope the government will intensify skill empowerment programmes and ensure that beneficiaries are properly trained and supported to learn useful work.
We also expect improvement in power supply, because electricity is critical to running our appliances, and sustaining our businesses.”
Her expectations highlight the intersection of entrepreneurship and policy. Without power, skills and capital, small businesses would remain stuck in survival mode.
Similarly, Agbor-based businesswoman, Mrs Joy Ozour anchors her expectations on stability, as she says,
“This year, my expectation is for God’s blessings upon my business, increased growth, and the ability to save more, so I can achieve my plans.
I also hope the government will improve the power supply, as electricity has been very poor since December, and this has seriously affected businesses. Beyond business, I look forward to good health and the strength to continue serving God faithfully.”
Savings, health and power supply, basic, but elusive pillars.
For many Nigerians, faith remains the primary coping mechanism. Justina Kifordu’s testimony captures this reality.
“God has a special plan for this year. I am so excited to see 2026. It is a year I have been waiting for; I don’t know why, but thank God that I made it to 2026.
To everyone out there, I say congratulations. The previous year was so tough for me, and that is why I particularly came here today to appreciate God for His mercies, love, protection, and provisions, indeed, for everything. My expectation for this year is more blessings from God, especially financial favour and the good things that He has for me.
“When I say the good things that He has for me, I mean, every year comes with its own special blessing. Surviving last year was very difficult, and I pray that this year will be exceptional. I am believing God for all-round favour.
The testimony of a lady in church encouraged me and reminded me that God is still in the business of doing miracles. God lifted the woman from begging to feed her family to building her own shop, not a rented one.
“Although you cannot sit in one place and expect things to happen, you must be doing something. That is why I am expecting more success in my endeavours this year,” she said.
Her statement emphasises a recurring Nigerian philosophy: faith plus effort.
Security, Life and the Fear of Loss:
Mrs Solomon Faith framed her expectations through the lens of safety and divine protection.
“According to Psalm 127 verse 1, if the Lord does not build a house, in vain the builder builds; if the Lord does not watch over a city, in vain the watchman watches.
Without God, all is in vain. We experienced a lot of deaths in the previous year, and we do not expect such this year. Last year made people panic because of the high rate of death and the killing of Christians, which is genocide. Therefore, I expect God’s divine protection upon His children, and the Federal Government should also do something to put an end to it,” she said.
Her words reflect a population fatigued by loss and uncertainty, demanding both divine and government intervention.
Roads, Movement and Governance:
John Ejiofor’s expectations are rooted in gratitude and infrastructure.
“I personally came to thank God today and to ask for His blessings this year. A lot has happened, and I know that more difficult things may still happen, so I came to pray for God’s direction and protection. I do not want to walk on my own; I want to walk with God.
“We also expect to see the completion of the Benin–Onitsha Expressway, which is still under construction. The experience last year was something one would not want to experience again.
The traffic was extremely hectic. Since the flyover was built, I had never seen it stuck with cars; last year was the first time that it happened. We are appealing to and also appreciating the Governor of Delta State for the work he is doing to ensure that the state moves forward, and we are asking for more,” he said.
In an interview, Mr Efe Okotie, a Civil Engineer working in Port Harcourt, said, “As someone from Ughelli North living in Port Harcourt, my expectations from the Delta State Governor in 2026 go beyond platitudes. We know the government has been bold with its budgets. Governor Oborevwori recently unveiled an ambitious ₦1.664 trillion budget for 2026, focused heavily on infrastructure and social programmes.
“First, road projects must be delivered on schedule by contractors. The recent allocation of ₦75 billion for road projects across all 25 Local Government Areas shows commitment, but we need accountability so that those funds translate into real roads.
“Second, the state should build on the gains in job creation and youth empowerment we’ve heard about. The government has expanded youth training programmes and youth employment bureaus, but many young people still struggle to find meaningful work. More deliberate private sector linkages and tech hubs would help. More jobs and sources of employment should be created for the youths in the state so that they do not go to other states in search of greener pastures.
Jobs bring development to the state, so I think the governor should prioritise this.
“Third, stability in education and healthcare funding must continue. The state has significantly improved health facilities and school infrastructure, but more needs to be done. Greater focus on these areas is crucial.
“Finally, I hope to see a governance approach that is more inclusive, with sustained investments that directly impact everyday lives; something that will make more Deltans like me consider returning home.”
Mrs Onyekachi Chukwuemeke, a foodstuff and consumables trader in Port Harcourt and also a Deltan, expressed her expectations from the Delta State Governor for 2026. “Being a trader here in Port Harcourt, my expectations are shaped by real needs. The Delta government’s emphasis on infrastructure in the capital estimates and social welfare is encouraging, but we need more tangible outcomes.
“Healthcare is critical. Delta has upgraded some primary health centres and acquired equipment for general hospitals, like CT scanners and renovated PHCs, which is a good start, but more needs to be done.
“Education must be targeted with more teacher training and improved school resources. The rehabilitation of classroom blocks and digital learning initiatives is a step forward, but it must now reach every rural schools without delay.
“Economic empowerment, especially for women, must be strengthened. While the Delta CARES and other programmes have empowered traders and farmers, many women still lack access to capital and stable markets. More microcredit, market infrastructure, and skills training would make a huge difference.”
Mr Igho Edewor, a Deltan, also residing in Port Harcourt, spoke on security.
“What I expect from the Delta Governor by 2026 is boosted rural development and genuine security. Security matters. While Delta is generally safer than many parts of Nigeria, rural insecurity still hampers farming and trade. If the state partners with federal and local security agencies to ensure peace in rural areas, farmers will invest more confidently.
“Agriculture must be the cornerstone of 2026 priorities. The state has already supported farmers through programmes and partnerships for agricultural economic zones, creating jobs and improving food security.
“What I want is expanded access to mechanised farming tools, guaranteed purchase programmes for farmers, and agro-processing incentives so that rural youths see farming as profitable.
“Lastly, I hope the governor continues to promote stability in internally generated revenue and fiscal reforms, so that essential projects are not stalled by cash flow issues. If these measures are implemented, we will see real progress by 2026.”
In conclusion, beyond Midnight Shouts
As fireworks faded and congregants slowly dispersed into the early hours of 2026, one thing was clear: Nigerians are not short of hope. But hope, increasingly, is conditional. It is tied to performance, accountability and tangible outcomes.
The crossover night was loud, emotional and symbolic. Yet beyond the shouting, dancing and declarations lie a hard truth: 2026 must deliver. Faith remains strong, but patience is thinning. Citizens are aligning personal hustle with civic demands. They are praying, yes, but they are also watching.
For Nigeria, 2026 is not just another year. It is a stress test. A moment of reckoning.
It is a year to convert shouted “Amen” into measurable progress.
The expectations are clear. But the question is: Will leadership at every level rise to meet them?
