Nigeria at 64: ActionAid demands urgent leadership to address economic crisis and electoral failures

As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day, ActionAid Nigeria has called for bold leadership to address the growing economic crisis and electoral failures plaguing the country.
In a statement signed by Country Director Andrew Mamedu, the organization highlighted the stark contrast between the government’s portrayal of progress and the harsh realities faced by millions of Nigerians.
ActionAid criticized the rising cost of living, inflation, and electoral injustices, which have left citizens questioning the foundations of democracy and independence. “Despite claims of recovery, Nigerians are struggling under inflation, fuel price hikes, and austerity measures that disproportionately affect women, girls, and vulnerable communities,” the statement noted.
The removal of the fuel subsidy has driven the cost of petrol up by over 200%, pushing inflation to 32.15% in August 2024, with food prices soaring by 37.52%. A bag of rice now costs ₦60,000, making essential goods inaccessible for many. These economic challenges have plunged 63% of Nigerians into hardship, compared to only 15% in 1960. ActionAid reports that 133 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line, 60% of whom are women.
In addition to economic challenges, ActionAid expressed concern over electoral injustices, citing widespread irregularities and voter suppression in the most recent elections. “The right to elect leaders is continually undermined, and this erodes the dream of independence for many citizens,” Mamedu added.
ActionAid outlined several urgent steps for the government:
Revise austerity measures to reverse the economic strain and reallocate resources to healthcare, education, and social protection.
Implement electoral reforms to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, with accountability for misconduct.
Stabilize fuel prices to ease the burden on citizens following the removal of the subsidy.
Control inflation through targeted monetary and fiscal policies.
Expand social protection programs to support the most vulnerable, particularly women and children.
Address unemployment, especially among youth, through investments in infrastructure, small and medium enterprises, and tech-driven industries.
ActionAid warned that failure to act could push Nigeria into a deeper humanitarian crisis, calling for decisive, equitable, and compassionate leadership. “True independence remains elusive for millions,” Mamedu said. “The survival of Nigeria depends on bold leadership that prioritizes the needs of its people over political interests.”