In a crucial statement issued after its 58th meeting, the Board of Directors of ActionAid Nigeria has sounded an alarm over the country’s alarming descent into a multifaceted crisis marked by escalating poverty, insecurity, and fiscal mismanagement. Despite recent economic growth, the organization warns that these gains have yet to translate into improved living conditions for the average Nigerian.
According to the Statement signed by Rabi Isma, Chair, Board of Directors, ActionAid Nigeria, recent findings from the World Bank underscore the severity of the situation, revealing that over ₦34 trillion—approximately 41% of Nigeria’s total earnings—has been siphoned off through pre-allocation mechanisms in recent years, severely limiting resources available for national development.
Projected economic growth is expected to reach 4.4% in 2026, an increase from 4.2% in 2025. However, this figure remains below the African average, leaving Nigeria vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices and global economic upheavals. Alarmingly, projections from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicate that Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio could rise to 33.1% by 2027, signaling escalating fiscal risks and an urgent need for improved revenue management.
The Board has also expressed deep concern regarding persistent governance challenges in the country. Key sectors—such as education, health, and agriculture—are facing significant underfunding, falling well below global benchmarks, despite the substantial national budget allocation. Furthermore, the Board raised issues with certain provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that could undermine transparency as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
In light of the ongoing insecurity and humanitarian crises affecting millions, the Board notes the dire implications for livelihoods and food security. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), nearly 35 million Nigerians are projected to confront acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, particularly in the Northeast region.
To address these pressing challenges, the ActionAid Nigeria Board of Directors recommends the following actions:
1. Inclusive Economic Policies: The Federal Government is urged to implement economic policies that foster inclusive growth, enhancing purchasing power and livelihoods for ordinary Nigerians, especially in rural areas, women, and youth. This should be coupled with targeted measures to mitigate the effects of rising fuel prices and inflation. Suggested interventions include expanded social protection programs, cash transfers, and stabilizing food and transport costs.
2. Revenue Transparency and Accountability: The Federal Government must ensure complete disclosure of all collected revenues and deductions prior to the distribution by the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC). This effort should be backed by publicly released audits from the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation.
Anti-corruption agencies are called upon to investigate any irregularities and enforce accountability, including the recovery of mismanaged funds. Additionally, it is imperative to reduce Nigeria’s rising debt burden by decreasing reliance on borrowing, eliminating leakages, and enhancing transparency and accountability in public financial management.
As the nation grapples with these urgent issues, the ActionAid Nigeria Board’s recommendations aim to create a more equitable and secure future for all Nigerians. The need for immediate action and comprehensive reforms has never been more critical.
Any borrowing must be strictly tied to productive investments and must not displace critical spending on social sectors.
iii. The Federal Government and National Assembly must ensure transparent and efficient implementation of the 2026 budget through clear reprioritisation towards education, health, and agriculture. Oversight must be strengthened to eliminate waste, leakages, and abandoned projects, and to ensure measurable outcomes for citizens.
iv. The Independent National Electoral Commission must ensure that the implementation of the Electoral Act 2026 is guided by clear operational safeguards that limit discretionary abuse, enhance transparency, and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
In light of public concerns about perceived bias stemming from the INEC Chairman’s pre-appointment statements, the Commission must proactively demonstrate and assure Nigerians of its neutrality, professionalism, and independence in its conduct and communication ahead of the 2027 elections.
v. Federal and State Governments must urgently overhaul Nigeria’s security response through a coordinated, intelligence-led, and community-centred approach to address all security issues. This should include strengthened early warning systems, improved inter-agency coordination, protection of vulnerable communities, and accountability for security failures, alongside greater investment in preventive measures.
The National Assembly must also expedite the review and passage of the state policing framework and must ensure it is transparent, accountable, safeguards human rights, and prevents abuse.
vi. Federal and State Governments must urgently scale up coordinated humanitarian responses to rising food insecurity, malnutrition, and displacement, while preparing for flood risks across multiple states.
This includes activating emergency systems, prepositioning relief materials, protecting at-risk communities, expanding social protection, and strengthening climate resilience and disaster preparedness to reduce recurring crises and long-term impacts on vulnerable populations.
The Board enjoins civil society organisations, the media, and citizens to intensify demands for accountability across all arms of government. Nigeria is currently facing multi-dimensional challenges that are deepening corruption and poverty, and only sustained collective action can reverse this trend.
