As Nigeria celebrates its 64-year independence anniversary, a humanitarian organization, ActionAid Nigeria has called on governments at all levels to urgently address the economic woes in the country, noting that millions of Nigerians are trapped in hardship.
The organization said that despite the propaganda being peddled by the government’s agents, the reality on ground speaks volumes about the hardship which Nigerians have been thrown it by the government’s policies.
Country Director of Actionaid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, in an official statement said that there is an urgent need for strong leadership that can tackle the current economic poverty.
He noted that the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS) points to an alarming future for Nigerians and the overall development of all sectors.
Mamedu also called for the making and implementation of policies that will bring the solutions Nigerians need and not the type that will worsen the hardship.
He said, ” While the government paints a picture of progress, prosperity and resilience, the daily 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.
” According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Inflation reached 32.15% in August 2024, while food prices soared by 37.52%. For many Nigerian households, particularly those led by women, this is not just an inconvenience, it’s a battle for survival.
“A bag of rice, now priced at ₦60,000, has become a luxury, and the cost of essential goods like cooking gas has surged by over 60% in just one year”