Nigeria At 64: Prioritise People’s Needs Over Political Interests, ActionAid Tasks Leaders

Nigerian leaders have been charged to accord priorities to the needs and wellbeing of millions of Nigerians rather than playing politics with unfulfilled promises.

The ActionAid Nigeria made the call on Wednesday through a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on the nation’s 64th Independence anniversary.

Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, in the statement noted that contrary to the promises of progress, prosperity, and resilience made by the government, experiences of Nigerians tell a different story.

“The rising economic hardship, high costs of living, and ongoing electoral injustices have left citizens disillusioned, questioning the very foundations of their democracy and independence.

“Today, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Despite the government’s claims of recovery and growth, citizens are buckling under the weight of inflation, fuel price hikes, and austerity measures that disproportionately affect women, girls, and vulnerable communities.

“The data tells a grim story. In 1960, only 15% of the population lived in poverty; today, 63% of Nigerians are trapped in economic hardship.

“These figures reflect a deepening crisis that contradicts the government’s optimistic outlook.

“Nigeria’s current trajectory reveals an alarming trend: austerity measures and economic policies that benefit the few while neglecting the many.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy, for example, has compounded the daily struggles of millions,” Mamedu said.

Citing the National Bureau of Statistics, ActionAid Nigeria noted that inflation reached 32.15% in August 2024, while food prices soared by 37.52% while emphasising that this is not just an inconvenience but a battle for survival, particularly for many households, notably those led by women.

“A bag of rice, now priced at N60,000, has become a luxury, and the cost of essential goods like cooking gas has surged by over 60% in just one year.

“Since the removal of the fuel subsidy, the cost of petrol has jumped by over 200%, exacerbating the cost of transportation, food, and basic.

“Austerity measures, like these, have only deepened the gender inequality gap and expanded the poverty rate. For example, transportation costs have surged by over 300%, making commuting a daily struggle for millions according to media report.

“According to ActionAid’s research, nearly 133 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line, 60% of whom are women. As prices rise, Families across the country are making heartbreaking decisions daily: choosing between feeding their children or sending them to school, between affording rent or paying for healthcare.

“Malnutrition among children has risen, with 2.5 million Nigerian children at risk of severe acute malnutrition in 2024, according to UNICEF,” Mamedu said.

The Country Director decried the federal government’s austerity policies while purportedly reducing public spending that have crippled critical sectors like healthcare, education, and social protection.

“Underfunded healthcare facilities, neglected schools, and soaring unemployment rates show the reality of a government more focused on fiscal tightening than on the well-being of its citizens.

“The Labour Force Statistics shows the national unemployment rate hit 37.7% in the second quarter of 2024, with youth unemployment at a staggering 45%.

He maintained that government must make job creation its highest priority, investing immediately in infrastructure, SMEs, and tech-driven industries to give hope to the millions of young Nigerians who are slipping into despair.

“Nigeria’s survival depends on bold leadership that prioritises the needs of its people over political interests.

“Only then can we truly celebrate freedom from hunger, poverty, and electoral injustice,” he advised.