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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
News
State Actors Grumble Over Operational Allowances Within the Hadin Kai Theatre.
State Actors Grumble Over Operational Allowances Within the Hadin Kai Theatre.
By: Bodunrin Kayode
There is a quiet grumble within the ranks of the Joint Security team in the Hadin Kai theatre with an allegation that some forward operational bases are paid discriminatory allowances.
Some sources within the non military rankings who spoke with this reporter claim that their military colleagues in some forward operational bases (FOB) are actually paid higher than the rest of them by the pay masters who are supposed to release these funds.
This has actually led to a silent outcry by some of the security personnel within the ranks of the Hadin Kai theatre who have decried what they described as the unnecessary disparity between their operational allowances and that of the military.
“There has been some underground grumbling within the ranks of the uniformed personnel in the Hadin Kai theatre over allowances and I am talking about the para military and the police who are in the team in this very sector one.
” From our investigation, it has never happened before and that makes it strange and we believe it is not known to the theatre commander (TC) who we all know as a just man who wants all of us to be happy.
” And that is why we are passing this injustice through you people because you are equal partners in the battles we are fighting against our common enemy because we believe the wrong will be reversed as soon as he gets to hear.
“At our own FOB for now, I can say the drilling for crude oil has stopped but we are pinning the ground against the criminals. And I must tell you, the main challenges here is water we don’t have enough water and the food served is not that good.
“we have only been allocated two bags of water for one week in this hot weather and the allowance given is 31,000 naira while the military is 45,000 naira sir.
“So why is there a difference in the money while both of us are working in the same assignment. Before the allowance was N45,000 and was equal to that of the Army but now they have reduced non military to N31,000 and they expect us to pay returns of 5,000 inside the same N31,000” Said the angry operative.
Operatives of operation Hadin Kai are made up mostly of the entire military, Federal Police, immigration, customs, Civil defence, custodial service, vigilante and the civilian jtf.
In spite of all these collaboration among services which includes the state security services sometimes, the war has gone on for almost 17 years with no sign of a true, seize fire, table negotiations or a total end of the hostilities between the country and non state actors.
State Actors Grumble Over Operational Allowances Within the Hadin Kai Theatre.
News
Grumble within ranks in joint security team in Borno
Grumble within ranks in joint security team in Borno
By: Bodunrin Kayode
There is a quiet grumble within the ranks of the Joint Security team in the Hadin Kai theatre with an allegation that some forward operational bases are paid discriminatory allowances.
Some sources within the non military rankings who spoke with this reporter claim that their military colleagues in some forward operational bases (FOB) are actually paid higher than the rest of them by the pay masters who are supposed to release these funds.
This has actually led to a silent outcry by some of the security personnel within the ranks of the Hadin Kai theatre who have decried what they described as the unnecessary disparity between their operational allowances and that of the military.
“There has been some underground grumbling within the ranks of the uniformed personnel in the Hadin Kai theatre over allowances and I am talking about the para military and the police who are in the team in this very sector one.
” From our investigation, it has never happened before and that makes it strange and we believe it is not known to the theatre commander (TC) who we all know as a just man who wants all of us to be happy.
” And that is why we are passing this injustice through you people because you are equal partners in the battles we are fighting against our common enemy because we believe the wrong will be reversed as soon as he gets to hear.
“At our own FOB for now, I can say the drilling for crude oil has stopped but we are pinning the ground against the criminals. And I must tell you, the main challenges here is water we don’t have enough water and the food served is not that good.
“we have only been allocated two bags of water for one week in this hot weather and the allowance given is 31,000 naira while the military is 45,000 naira sir.
“So why is there a difference in the money while both of us are working in the same assignment. Before the allowance was N45,000 and was equal to that of the Army but now they have reduced non military to N31,000 and they expect us to pay returns of 5,000 inside the same N31,000” Said the angry operative.
Operatives of operation Hadin Kai are made up mostly of the entire military, Federal Police, immigration, customs, Civil defence, custodial service, vigilante and the civilian jtf.
In spite of all these collaboration among services which includes the state security services sometimes, the war has gone on for almost 17 years with no sign of a true, seize fire, table negotiations or a total end of the hostilities between the country and non state actors.
Grumble within ranks in joint security team in Borno
News
EU Commits €235 Million to Tackle Escalating Humanitarian Crises in West and Central Africa
EU Commits €235 Million to Tackle Escalating Humanitarian Crises in West and Central Africa
By: Michael Mike
The European Commission has unveiled a €235 million humanitarian aid package aimed at addressing the deepening crises across West and Central Africa, where conflict, hunger, displacement, and climate shocks continue to devastate millions of lives.
The funding will target the region’s most vulnerable populations, including those affected by armed conflicts, food insecurity, forced displacement, and communities cut off from essential services. A significant portion—€75 million—has been earmarked for the Central Sahel, widely regarded as the epicentre of the region’s instability.
Other allocations include more than €72 million for Chad, €33 million for Nigeria, €22 million for the Central African Republic, €16.6 million for Cameroon, €4.8 million for Mauritania, and over €6 million for coastal countries. An additional €6.4 million will support region-wide humanitarian initiatives.
Announcing the intervention, Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, described the situation as a convergence of multiple emergencies.
“West and Central Africa is facing a storm of humanitarian crises, driven by conflict, poverty, hunger, instability, and climate shocks,” she said, recalling firsthand encounters with displaced families during a visit to Chad.
According to Lahbib, the aid will provide critical relief, including food, clean water, healthcare, shelter, and access to education for children whose lives have been disrupted by violence and displacement.
The region’s humanitarian situation remains dire, with conflicts in the Central Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin continuing to spill across borders, intensifying instability in coastal nations and triggering widespread displacement. The ongoing crisis in Sudan has further strained resources in eastern Chad, while separate emergencies persist in north-western Nigeria, parts of Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.
The European Union reiterated its commitment to acting as a reliable humanitarian partner, emphasizing that the intervention is designed not only to save lives but also to restore dignity and hope for affected communities.
EU Commits €235 Million to Tackle Escalating Humanitarian Crises in West and Central Africa
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