ActionAid has blasted President Tinubu Government over insecurity, hunger, and debt despite economic reforms.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that ActionAid Nigeria’s General Assembly has strongly criticised the Federal Government for its failure to effectively address escalating insecurity, worsening hunger, and an alarming debt profile, despite recent economic reforms and policy announcements by the Tinubu administration.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja following its weekend meeting, the Assembly acknowledged some policy strides taken by the administration, including the signing of the Tax Reform Act, reported improvements in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the declaration of a state of emergency on food security. However, it stressed that these developments have yet to translate into real, measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“The General Assembly of ActionAid Nigeria commends the Federal Government for its milestones, such as the Democracy Day celebration, the Tax Reform Act aimed at boosting domestic revenue, and the GDP uptick. We also welcome the declaration of a national emergency on food security,” the statement read.
“However, these efforts fall short of addressing the worsening conditions faced by millions of Nigerians — rising poverty, inflation, insecurity, and deepening inequality. Two years into the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, Nigerians are still burdened by hardship.”
The Assembly decried the lack of strategic implementation in the agricultural sector, noting that despite the declaration of an emergency on food security, there has been no significant shift in budgetary allocations or concrete plans to alleviate hunger or improve food supply chains.
Addressing security concerns, the group raised alarm over growing violence, including herder-farmer clashes, alleged military airstrikes on civilians, and suppression of peaceful protests. It demanded an urgent overhaul of the national security framework.
“The Federal Government must urgently reform the security architecture to restore public confidence and halt violence, especially the unchecked attacks in rural communities and military operations that result in civilian casualties,” it stated.
On the economic front, ActionAid condemned what it described as the government’s reckless borrowing and opaque debt management. It warned that unless immediate steps are taken to curb the trend, Nigeria risks plunging further into economic crisis.
“The federal and state governments must end unsustainable borrowing. We call for transparent debt management, regular debt audits, and full public disclosures. Revenue generation should focus on sustainable and inclusive strategies, especially at the local level,” the statement added.
The Assembly also demanded transparency over the $1.5 billion Port Harcourt refinery, which was recommissioned in November 2024 but was abruptly shut down six months later for “planned maintenance.” It urged the government to publish the full cost, scope, and progress of the project.
On environmental issues, ActionAid blamed the government’s failure to act on early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency for the recurring flood disasters. It stressed the need for climate resilience investment and transparency in disaster relief efforts.
“States like Niger, Plateau, and Benue must publish all funds and materials received for flood and crisis response. There must be accountability to ensure that affected communities truly benefit from relief efforts,” the statement concluded.
