ActionAid Nigeria has expressed concern over worsening economic hardship and insecurity in the country, warning that rising poverty, mounting public debt, inflation and climate-related disasters are pushing millions of Nigerians deeper into vulnerability.
The organisation raised the concerns in a communiqué issued after its Annual General Meeting in Abuja, where its General Assembly and Board of Directors reviewed the country’s socio-economic situation.
While acknowledging recent government initiatives, including moves to establish state police, reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the introduction of community-based flood forecasting systems, ActionAid said Nigerians were yet to see meaningful improvements in their living conditions.
The organisation noted that although Nigeria’s external reserves have reportedly risen to $51.5 billion, the country’s public debt has climbed to ₦156.28 trillion, with $11.6 billion allocated for debt servicing in the 2026 budget. It warned that debt servicing now exceeds the combined allocations to education, healthcare and agriculture, limiting investments in critical social services.
ActionAid also cited World Bank data indicating that 79 per cent of Nigerians remain poor or vulnerable to poverty, while inflation and rising food and fuel prices continue to erode household incomes despite the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
The organisation expressed alarm over worsening insecurity, revealing that 124 schoolchildren and students were abducted between May and July 2026 in Oyo, Borno and Zamfara states. It warned that persistent attacks on schools threaten children’s access to education and called for stronger measures to protect learners.
On climate change, ActionAid highlighted the Federal Government’s flood alert covering 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, warning that more than 14,000 communities, 5,000 health facilities, and 10,000 schools face flooding risks between July and September. It urged governments at all levels to improve disaster preparedness and strengthen emergency response mechanisms.
The organisation also advocated comprehensive security reforms anchored on community intelligence, while backing ongoing efforts to establish state police, provided adequate safeguards and sustainable funding are put in place.
ActionAid further called on the Federal Government to improve fiscal transparency, reduce debt servicing, curb revenue leakages and redirect savings towards education, healthcare, agriculture and social protection programmes.
It urged the government to strengthen healthcare funding, address the cholera outbreak in Borno State, improve social intervention programmes, and ensure transparency in the implementation of the proposed sugar tax.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the organisation called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address reported electoral irregularities, including vote-buying and voter intimidation, while intensifying voter education across the country.
ActionAid also expressed concern over persistently high petrol prices and warned that reported dollar-denominated pricing of locally refined fuel could worsen inflation and transportation costs if left unchecked.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting social justice, gender equality and accountability, urging government, civil society organisations and citizens to work together to protect vulnerable Nigerians and improve governance.
