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ActionAid Nigeria Asks Government to Immediately Address Dire Realities Confronting Nigeria
ActionAid Nigeria Asks Government to Immediately Address Dire Realities Confronting Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has demanded immediate action to address the dire realities confronting the nation.
The recently released Human Development Report (HDR) paints a harrowing picture of global regression in human development, with Nigeria as one of those at the epicenter of this crisis. The latestz data from the report ranks Nigeria as low as 161 out of 193 countries in the world with HDI value as low at 0.548. This huge setback is more frightening as the recorded recovery of Human Development Index (HDI) values since the 2020–2021 decline is projected to be highly unequal.
A statement by ActionAid on Tuesday said “the impact of the findings in the report on the Nigerian populace cannot be overstated and as always, it is the most vulnerable who bear the brunt. Only half of the global population feels in control of their lives, and one-third feel unheard in their political system.
“The National, Multidimensional, Poverty Index is 0.257,, indicating that poor people in Nigeria experience just over one-quarter of all possible deprivations. This disenfranchisement disproportionately affects the marginalised communities of Nigeria, trapping them in cycles of poverty and despair.”,
The ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Andrew Mamedu noted that: ‘‘According to the report, both Libya and South Africa boast relatively high HDI rankings, indicating significant achievements in human development. Libya’s wealth, predominantly derived from its substantial oil reserves, has contributed to its high HDI ranking, while South Africa’s diversified economy and robust infrastructure have propelled its development.
“Despite Nigeria’s vast natural resources and higher GDP compared to Libya and South Africa, its HDI remains comparatively low. This discrepancy underscores a critical issue: the failure of economic growth to translate effectively into improvements in the well-being of Nigerian citizens. While Nigeria’s high GDP figures may suggest economic prosperity, it evidently does not necessarily correlate with improvements in living standards, education, healthcare, or overall human development. In alignment with the federal government’s target to lift 50 million people out of poverty.”
He said ActionAid Nigeria has also set a goal to contribute to lifting 1,000,000 individuals out of poverty within the next five years, stating that achieving these ambitious goals require collaboration from all stakeholders, especially the federal and state governments. It will be disheartening to witness the efforts of civil society organisations in lifting individuals out of poverty being hindered by unfavourable policies and escalating corruption.
ActionAid Nigeria called upon the federal government to heed the urgent call to action outlined in the HDR, demanding immediate measures to address the crises unfolding in education, health, infrastructure, and social safety nets.
ActionAid Nigeria specifically demanded that the Federal Government must make concerted efforts to address poverty, unemployment, and income inequality.
The statement read that: “We demand for the implementation of comprehensive social protection programme to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable, as well as initiatives to create decent and sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youths and women. This includes having price controls to help stabilise prices and ensure that essential goods remain, accessible to all Nigerians. However, since corruption has been prevalent in the social protection programmes in the past, stringent measures must be put in place to combat corruption and ensure the effective delivery of support to those who need it most.
“To address the issue of Nigerians spending between $1.5 billion to $2 billion on health tourism, the Federal Government must prioritise healthcare access and affordability for all citizens. This entails increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure, training, and deploying more healthcare professionals, and ensuring the availability of essential medicines and services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, there is a need to prioritise the recruitment of healthcare workers to bolster the country’s healthcare system. By reversing the trend of high spending on health tourism and redirecting resources towards improving domestic healthcare services, Nigeria can provide better care for its citizens and reduce the need for medical tourism.
“Allocate sufficient resources to improve access to quality education for all, Nigerians. This includes investing in school infrastructure, providing adequate training and support for teachers, ensuring safe and secure schools for children, and implementing policies to ensure inclusive and equitable education forz every child, particularly girls and children with disability.
“Reduce the influence of international financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, which often prioritise austerity measures over investments in social welfare.
“Provide a robust infrastructure network for economic growth and social development. ActionAid Nigeria calls for increased investment in infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, electricity, and water supply, to improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians. This will also create opportunities for smallholder women farmers to access markets more easily and transport their goods to, buyers. Furthermore, the government should prioritise the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Thisy enhancement will not only improve farmers’ productivity but also reduce post-harvest losses, ultimately leading to improved livelihoods and economic empowerment for smallholder women.
- Implement comprehensive security reforms to address the alarming rise in security threats across Nigeria,, including kidnapping, displacement, ritualistic practices, banditry, and other forms of violence. The Federal Government must also strengthen law enforcement agencies, security infrastructure, and intelligence-gathering mechanisms to effectively combat criminal activities and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, especially students, farmers and those in vulnerable and marginalised communities.”
Mamedu said that: “The Federal Government as the custodians of our nation’s future must act decisively and swiftly and failure to act will condemn millions of Nigerians to a future of perpetual suffering and despair. ActionAid Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity for all Nigerians.”
ActionAid Nigeria Asks Government to Immediately Address Dire Realities Confronting Nigeria
Nigeria, Iran Pledge to Strengthen South–South Cooperation
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening South–South cooperation and expanding bilateral relations, as officials, diplomats, and subnational leaders gathered in Abuja to mark the 47th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
Speaking at the event, Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on Iran’s journey since 1979 and to strengthen partnerships with friendly nations like Nigeria.
“The Islamic Revolution of Iran was not merely a transfer of political power; it marked the beginning of national sovereignty, popular governance, and the restoration of the dignity and independence of the Iranian nation,” he said.
Raja highlighted Iran’s achievements over the past four decades despite regional and global challenges, citing progress in science and technology, healthcare, industrial production, infrastructure, and non-oil exports. He also emphasized Iran’s commitment to balanced diplomacy, dialogue, and multilateralism, positioning the country as a responsible actor on regional and global stages.
On bilateral relations, Raja noted that Nigeria held a strategic position in Iran’s Africa policy, while Iran’s expertise in energy, industry, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and education made it a reliable partner for Nigeria’s development goals. “The deepening of friendly relations between Iran and Nigeria will not only serve the national interests of both countries but will also strengthen South–South cooperation and contribute to global peace and development,” he said.
Representing the Nigerian government, Ambassador Bukar Buni Hamman, Director of the Regions Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed goodwill to Iran on the anniversary. He acknowledged the growth of economic ties between the two nations in sectors such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer goods, highlighting opportunities for further diversification under South–South cooperation.
Nigeria, Iran Pledge to Strengthen South–South Cooperation
NiDCOM Hails Nigerians’ Historic Triumph at 2026 Grammy Awards
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated three Nigerians of global acclaim — Shaboozey, Tyler, the Creator, and Cynthia Erivo — on their landmark victories at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dabiri-Erewa described the Grammy wins as a moment of immense pride for Nigeria, noting that the achievements underscore the far-reaching impact of Nigerian talent and heritage on the world’s biggest cultural stages.
She said the success of Shaboozey, born Collins Obinna Chibueze; Tyler, the Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma; and award-winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, born Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanazu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo, reflects the creativity, resilience and excellence deeply rooted in Nigerian identity.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, their recognition at one of the world’s most prestigious music awards goes beyond individual accomplishment, representing a collective celebration of Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent across the global diaspora.
She also acknowledged the continued global influence of Nigeria-based artistes such as Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr and Wizkid, whose works have helped elevate Nigerian music and culture on the international stage.
The NiDCOM boss stressed that despite being based abroad, the Grammy-winning artistes remain unmistakably Nigerian in heritage, family history and cultural identity, adding that their success continues to amplify Nigeria’s rich cultural footprint worldwide.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, as well as the media and cultural institutions, to embrace a more inclusive definition of national pride — one that recognises Nigerian excellence wherever it emerges.
She noted that celebrating the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora strengthens national unity, enhances Nigeria’s global image and serves as inspiration to younger generations aspiring to make their mark internationally.
The 2026 Grammy Awards saw several milestones for artistes of Nigerian heritage, further reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in global music and entertainment.
NiDCOM Hails Nigerians’ Historic Triumph at 2026 Grammy Awards
ECOWAS Launches Women’s Economic Empowerment and Digital Peacebuilding Pilot in Benue
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a pilot initiative aimed at strengthening economic empowerment and digital peacebuilding among women in Benue State, as part of efforts to address the prolonged humanitarian and displacement crisis in North-Central Nigeria.
The project, implemented through ECOWAS’ Directorate of Trade and the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs in partnership with the Benue State Government, targets women-led community-based organisations working on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in conflict-affected communities.
The launch coincided with the start of a five-day capacity-building programme running from February 9 to 13, featuring a Training of Trainers (ToT) for 12 participants drawn from community-based organisations, civil society groups and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
The trained participants are expected to cascade the knowledge through step-down sessions that will reach at least 60 women and girls in selected IDP camps and host communities across the state.
The initiative responds to the persistent displacement and humanitarian challenges in Benue State and aligns with the state’s Durable Solutions Action Plan, which prioritizes sustainable reintegration of displaced persons through livelihood recovery, peacebuilding and community resilience.
ECOWAS said the pilot recognises the critical role played by women-led grassroots organizations in mobilising communities, promoting social cohesion and advancing peace in areas affected by conflict. The project is designed to strengthen their institutional capacity while equipping conflict-affected women and girls with practical economic and digital skills.
Anchored in ECOWAS Vision 2050, the Trade and Gender Action Plan and the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy (2023), the pilot integrates economic empowerment, digital literacy and digital peacebuilding through a cascade training model. Trained WPS organizations will deliver step-down sessions directly within IDP camps and host communities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, ECOWAS Director Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe described the initiative as a strategic intervention that empowers women-led organizations to drive durable solutions at the grassroots while harnessing digital tools to promote inclusion, resilience and peace.
She noted that strengthening women’s economic agency and digital capacity is essential to building sustainable peace in fragile and displacement-affected communities.
In her remarks, the Secretary to the Benue State Government, Barrister Aber Serumum Deborah, commended ECOWAS for the initiative, saying it would reinforce grassroots peacebuilding efforts and enhance women’s participation in implementing the state’s Durable Solutions Action Plan.
According to her, the project will also contribute to livelihood recovery for women and girls affected by conflict, while strengthening community ownership of peace and reintegration processes.
The pilot will be implemented over a two-month period, beginning with preparation and adaptation of training modules, followed by training delivery, monitoring and documentation. ECOWAS said the initiative is expected to produce a scalable model that can be replicated across other Member States in the region.
The launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Benue State Government, humanitarian and displacement-response agencies, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, internally displaced persons, as well as officials from ECOWAS and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
ECOWAS said the initiative underscores its commitment to placing women and girls at the centre of durable solutions and sustainable peacebuilding in West Africa, leveraging digital innovation to address immediate recovery needs while laying the foundation for long-term regional impact.
ECOWAS Launches Women’s Economic Empowerment and Digital Peacebuilding Pilot in Benue
Nigeria, Iran Pledge to Strengthen South–South Cooperation
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari: A Strategic Leadership for Global Agricultural Governance
NiDCOM Hails Nigerians’ Historic Triumph at 2026 Grammy Awards
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