Instead of playing politics with unfulfilled promises, Nigeria’s leaders are called upon to prioritize the needs and well-being of millions of Nigerians.
ActionAid Nigeria made this call on Wednesday through a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on the occasion of the country’s 64th independence anniversary.
Andrew Mamedu, country director of ActionAid Nigeria, noted in a statement that despite the government’s promises of progress, prosperity and resilience, the experience of Nigerians tells a different story.
“Increasing economic hardship, rising costs of living, and ongoing election fraud have left our people disillusioned and questioning the very foundations of our democracy and independence.
“Today, Nigeria is at a crossroads. Despite the government’s claims of recovery and growth, the people are struggling with inflation, fuel price hikes and austerity measures that disproportionately impact women, girls and vulnerable communities. bear the weight of.
“The data tells a tragic story. In 1960, just 15% of the population lived in poverty. Today, 63% of Nigerians are in financial hardship.
“These figures reflect the deepening severity of the crisis, which contradicts the government’s optimistic outlook.
“Nigeria’s current trajectory reveals a worrying trend of austerity and economic policies that benefit the few and ignore the many.
“The removal of fuel subsidies, for example, is exacerbating the daily struggles of millions of people,” Mamedu said.
ActionAid Nigeria, citing the National Bureau of Statistics, noted that in August 2024, the inflation rate reached 32.15% and food prices soared 37.52%, which is not just an inconvenience, but especially for many He emphasized that it is a fight for survival for households, especially those headed by family members. woman.
“A bag of rice now costs 60,000 Naira and has become a luxury item, while the price of essentials such as cooking gas has increased by more than 60% in just one year.
“Since the removal of fuel subsidies, the cost of petrol has jumped by more than 200%, further exacerbating the cost of transport, food and essential goods.
“Such austerity measures will only deepen gender inequality and increase poverty rates. For example, media reports indicate that transport costs have risen by more than 300%, making commuting difficult for millions of people. It has become a daily struggle.
“ActionAid research shows that approximately 133 million Nigerians currently live below the poverty line, 60% of whom are women.As prices rise, families across the country struggle to feed their children every day. They are forced to make heart-wrenching decisions, such as choosing whether to give children a child or send them to school, and whether to pay rent or medical bills.
“According to UNICEF, malnutrition among children is on the rise, with 2.5 million children in Nigeria at risk of severe acute malnutrition by 2024,” Mamedu said.
The director-general blamed the federal government’s austerity measures to cut public spending, which he said have crippled vital sectors such as health, education and social protection.
“Underfunded health facilities, neglected schools and soaring unemployment rates demonstrate the reality that governments are more focused on fiscal austerity than on the well-being of their citizens.
“According to labor force statistics, the national unemployment rate reached 37.7% in the second quarter of 2024, and the youth unemployment rate reached a staggering 45%.
He said the government must make job creation a top priority and invest immediately in infrastructure, small businesses and technology-driven industries to provide hope to millions of young Nigerians who have fallen into despair. did.
“Nigeria’s survival depends on bold leadership that puts the needs of its people above political interests.
“Only then can we truly celebrate freedom from hunger, poverty and election fraud,” he advised.
