ActionAid Criticizes FG Over Rising Hardship, Insecurity
- Admin
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Despite the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms and high-profile policy initiatives, ActionAid Nigeria has raised alarm over escalating insecurity, hunger, inequality, and debt levels across the country. The organisation argues that these economic reforms, while commendable on paper, have failed to bring real relief to ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday evening, following its General Assembly meeting, ActionAid Nigeria acknowledged some progress by the Tinubu-led administration, including the signing of the Tax Reform Act, a reported increase in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
However, the Assembly emphasised that these symbolic actions have not translated into improved living conditions for citizens.
“We commend the government for its recent policy milestones such as the successful Democracy Day celebrations, the Tax Reform Act aimed at boosting domestic revenue, and the GDP uptick. These are steps in the right direction,” the group stated.
“But they ring hollow in the face of deepening economic instability, surging hunger, rampant inflation, and the unchecked insecurity gripping various parts of the country.”
ActionAid Nigeria warned that after two years of President Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda, millions of Nigerians are still trapped in worsening poverty. The organisation cited insecurity in the North Central region as a key driver of soaring food prices, while excessive government borrowing continues to push the country toward a potential debt crisis.
“Declaring a national emergency on food security is a positive gesture, but there has been no visible transformation in the sector’s funding, planning, or implementation. Nigerians are still hungry,” the Assembly noted.
The Assembly expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security situation, pointing to rising incidents of herder-farmer conflicts, military airstrikes on civilians, and the suppression of peaceful protests.
“The Federal Government must urgently overhaul the national security architecture. From communal clashes to unchecked military excesses, citizens no longer feel safe, and confidence in state protection is at an all-time low.”
On the economy, ActionAid condemned what it called “reckless borrowing” and a lack of fiscal transparency, warning that continued reliance on unsustainable debt could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic trouble.
“We urge both federal and state governments to halt indiscriminate borrowing. Priority must be placed on sustainable, locally-driven revenue generation. Fiscal transparency must be institutionalised through regular debt audits and public disclosures.”
ActionAid also questioned the management of the $1.5 billion Port Harcourt refinery, which was recommissioned in November 2024 but mysteriously shut down within six months for “planned maintenance.”
The organisation called for the immediate publication of the refinery’s full cost, operational scope, and maintenance records to foster public trust.
Additionally, it criticised the government's failure to act on early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency regarding extreme weather patterns. It warned that the lack of investment in climate adaptation continues to expose vulnerable communities to avoidable floods and natural disasters.
“States like Niger, Plateau, and Benue must disclose all flood-related donations and clearly account for how relief funds are spent. Affected families deserve transparency and support not bureaucracy and silence.”
In conclusion, ActionAid Nigeria urged the Federal Government to move beyond optics and take meaningful, people-focused actions to address the country’s worsening crises.
The organisation insists that while policy frameworks and reform bills may indicate progress on paper, the real measure of success lies in improved food access, citizen safety, transparent governance, and economic justice for Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities.
Comments