By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
ActionAid Nigeria has warned that Nigeria is descending into a worsening multi-dimensional crisis marked by rising poverty, insecurity, fiscal mismanagement, and declining public trust in governance, despite projected economic growth figures.
The warning was issued by the organisation’s Board of Directors during its 58th Board Meeting, where members reviewed the state of the nation and expressed deep concern over what they described as the widening gap between economic indicators and the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
According to the Board, recent findings by the World Bank reveal that more than ₦34 trillion — representing about 41 per cent of Nigeria’s total earnings — had been deducted through pre-allocation mechanisms in recent years, severely limiting resources available for national development.
The Board noted that although Nigeria’s economy is projected to grow by 4.4 per cent in 2026, up from 4.2 per cent in 2025, the growth remains below the African average and leaves the country vulnerable to global economic shocks and fluctuations in oil prices.
It also cited projections by the International Monetary Fund indicating that Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio could rise to 33.1 per cent by 2027, warning that the trend poses significant fiscal risks if urgent reforms are not implemented.
The organisation criticised what it described as persistent underfunding of critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, despite the scale of the national budget. It further warned that certain provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 could undermine transparency and public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ActionAid Nigeria also expressed concern over worsening insecurity and humanitarian pressures across the country, stating that violence and displacement continue to disrupt livelihoods and deepen food insecurity, especially in the Northeast.
Citing data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Board noted that nearly 35 million Nigerians are expected to face acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season.
The Board called on the Federal Government to implement inclusive economic policies capable of improving purchasing power and living conditions, particularly for rural communities, women, and young people. It urged authorities to expand social protection programmes, cash transfers, and interventions aimed at stabilising food and transportation costs amid rising inflation and fuel prices.
The organisation further demanded full disclosure of all revenues and deductions made before Federation Account Allocation Committee distributions, insisting that public audits and stronger anti-corruption measures are necessary to restore accountability and recover mismanaged funds.
On governance and budgeting, the Board urged both the Federal Government and the National Assembly to prioritise education, health, and agriculture in the implementation of the 2026 budget, while eliminating waste, abandoned projects, and financial leakages.
ActionAid Nigeria also raised concerns over public perceptions surrounding the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, urging the electoral body to reassure Nigerians of its neutrality, professionalism, and independence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Board further called for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture through intelligence-driven and community-based strategies, while urging the National Assembly to fast-track the review and passage of a transparent and accountable state policing framework.
It also appealed to federal and state governments to urgently strengthen humanitarian interventions to tackle rising hunger, displacement, and climate-related disasters, including flood preparedness across vulnerable states.
The Board concluded by urging civil society organisations, the media, and citizens to intensify demands for accountability across all levels of government.
“Nigeria is currently facing multi-dimensional challenges that are deepening corruption and poverty, and only sustained collective action can reverse this trend,” the statement read.
The statement was signed by Rabi Isma.
