ADC To Federal Govt: Economic Growth Meaningless Amid Poor Living Conditions

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government’s celebration of Nigeria’s reported GDP growth, describing it as disconnected from the harsh economic realities facing ordinary citizens.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party argued that economic growth remains meaningless if it does not translate into improved living conditions, lower food prices, job creation, and stronger purchasing power.

“People do not eat GDP,” the party stated, insisting that headline economic figures cannot substitute for real improvements in citizens’ daily lives.

The ADC said millions of Nigerians remain trapped in hunger, inflation, unemployment, and rising business costs despite government claims of economic progress.

“Growth that only exists in official reports while citizens descend deeper into hardship is not meaningful progress,” the statement added.

The opposition party rejected what it described as attempts by the government to “whitewash” economic suffering through statistical presentations, noting that the true state of the economy is reflected in everyday experiences of Nigerians.

“The reality of the Nigerian economy is not what is written in government presentations. The reality is what Nigerians confront every day in markets, on farms, in factories, in shops, and in their homes,” it said.

Highlighting the challenges faced by citizens, the ADC pointed to soaring food prices, high transportation costs, and the collapse of small businesses under the weight of inflation and energy expenses.

“Food prices are unbearable. Transportation costs have become punitive. Small businesses are shutting down daily under the crushing weight of inflation, energy costs, and weak consumer demand. Salaries have lost value. Families who once lived modestly are now struggling to survive,” the party stated.

It questioned what Nigerians should celebrate amid worsening economic conditions, citing rising poverty levels and widespread unemployment.

“What exactly should Nigerians celebrate? The fact that food inflation continues to devastate households? That millions of young Nigerians remain unemployed or underemployed? That businesses are collapsing faster than new ones are emerging?” the statement queried.

The ADC emphasised that the purpose of governance is to improve the living standards of citizens, not to promote favourable economic statistics.

“The purpose of governance is not to manage public relations for economic statistics. The purpose of governance is to improve the living conditions of the people,” it said.

The party urged the Federal Government to show humility, acknowledge the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, and focus on delivering tangible improvements rather than celebrating abstract figures.

“A government that is serious about economic recovery would show humility, acknowledge the pain Nigerians are experiencing, and focus on delivering measurable improvements in living conditions,” it added.

The ADC maintained that the true measure of economic success lies in whether citizens can live better lives.

“The true test of economic policy is simple: Can Nigerians live better today than they did yesterday? For millions of Nigerians, the answer is no,” the statement said.

It concluded by calling for an economy that works for ordinary people, stressing that until growth is reflected in affordable food, stable electricity, decent jobs, and reduced business costs, claims of economic success would remain unfounded.