The ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has reacted to the Independence Day speech of President Bola Tinubu.
Mr Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, in a statement on Tuesday, said that despite the administration’s claims of economic progress, the reality is the opposite for millions of Nigerians who cannot afford basic necessities.
“Fuel subsidy removal, increasing cost of electricity, mounting inflation, heightened insecurity, inflation, and rising food prices have driven the poor into deeper poverty while unemployment soar.
“The President’s reforms have only worsened the economic and social crisis, creating ripple effects that have deepened poverty and inequality,” Mamedu said.
He said Nigerians have been repeatedly asked by the president to ‘sacrifice’ for the country, wondering how long must this sacrifice last?
According to Mamedu, Nigerians are already bearing the brunt of devastating economic policies, with no respite in sight and that despite that, corruption festers unchecked across all levels of government.
He said, “What meaningful steps have been taken to address this systemic issue? In today’s speech, the president failed to address key issues, notably inflation and the rising exchange rate, which directly impact the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.
“These omissions leave us questioning the federal government’s understanding of the daily struggles Nigerians face.
The removal of the fuel subsidy on May 30, 2024, as pronounced by the president, triggered an unsustainable rise in fuel prices, making transportation, food production, and energy costs increasingly unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.
“Citizens are yet to recover from this shock, and instead, they face continuous suffering. The current reform by the President mirrors the devastating policies of past regimes, particularly those during the Abacha era, which left scars that we are still trying to heal from.
“President Tinubu’s purported ‘achievements’ have not yet led to tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians. On the contrary, there are growing concerns about threats to life, heightened insecurity, and rising inequality.”
The AAN boss said that while the organisation acknowledges the military’s recent victories, issues surrounding the banditry in the Northwest remain largely unattended, as bandits continue to terrorise communities, displace families, and destroy livelihoods.
He said that these violent acts have left many Nigerians vulnerable and in constant fear.
“Shockingly, the President made no mention of this in his speech, ignoring the devastation that banditry has caused. The government must act swiftly to address the ongoing violence in the Northwest, providing security and protection for the citizens who have been left voiceless and unsupported.
“In 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan spent millions of naira convening a national conference with representatives from various communities and groups, including youths, to deliberate on national issues.
“To date, both federal and state governments have failed to take action on the recommendations from that conference. Now we hear of another planned youth conference by the federal government.
“While it is being promoted as an opportunity for dialogue, hundreds of Nigerian youths remain imprisoned for exercising their democratic right to protest, while hundred more are on the streets protesting today. The conference must begin with the unconditional release of all detained protesters,” Mamedu said.
He added that the conference should not be a selective gathering for politically affiliated youth groups such as APC loyalists, but must be open to Nigerian youths from all backgrounds and regions, ensuring that representatives from every part of the country participate and the results from it must be implemented.
He said that Nigerians have been speaking out, using various platforms to express their frustrations and concerns, including using protests, public demonstrations, and widespread conversations on social media which are clear indicators of the people’s dissatisfaction.
“Yet, the President and his administration remain distant and unresponsive to these cries for change. It is time for the government to truly listen to the people. Nigerians are tired of being told to ‘be patient’ while their realities grow bleaker by the day.
“Nigerians need more than promises. We need tangible changes that will lead to affordable and improved living standards, security, and justice. Until then, ActionAid Nigeria stands in solidarity with the citizens, demanding that the government listen and act in the true interest of the people.
“We call for reforms that reflect the lived realities of everyday Nigerians and promote inclusivity, equity, and sustainability in governance,” Mamedu said.
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