Tinubu @2: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prioritization of Needs, Voices of Ordinary Citizens

By: Michael Mike

As President Bola Tinubu marks second year in office, ActionAid Nigeria calls for a renewed commitment to governance that prioritises the needs and voices of ordinary citizens.

The NGO in a statement on Wednesday signed by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu noted that while some economic reforms and policy efforts have been initiated at the national level, the true measure of progress lies in how these actions impact the daily lives of Nigerians beyond policy announcements, media headlines, or online narratives.

The statement read: “In the last two years, Nigeria has experienced both gains and challenges across different sectors of the economy .However, critical issues persist, including growing poverty, increasing inequality, underinvestment in education, persistent gender disparity in political representation, sexual and gender-based violence, and a shrinking civic space that stifles citizen engagement. The administration’s appointments also reflect this lack of inclusivity, only about 10% of ministers are women, far below the African Union’s 35% gender parity benchmark.

“Furthermore, regional imbalance in appointments has triggered discontent, deepening feelings of marginalisation among somegroups.”

The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, noted that, “We believe the time has come to prioritise development over politics. President Tinubu’s administration must shift focus from headline economic figures to tangible improvements in people’s lives. While paying off parts of our national debt is commendable, it is difficult to reconcile with the government’s continued accumulation of multi-million-dollar loans. How is any of this easing the daily struggles of the market woman, the out-of-school child, or the unemployed youth in reality?”

He said: “Nigerians are calling for a clear and resolute stance from President Tinubu in the fight against corruption. High-profile cases like that of Betta Edu, accused of misappropriating social investment funds intended for vulnerable citizens, have sparked widespread outrage, yet no convictions or meaningful resolutions have emerged. Likewise, prolonged cases involving former EFCC chair Ibrahim Magu and ex-pension boss Abdulrasheed Maina remain unresolved, deepening public distrust in the fight against corruption, due to perceptions of selective enforcement and delays. Without a genuine, transparent, and sustained anti-corruption campaign led by the President, efforts to enhance governance and drive development will continue to fall short.’’

AAN also reiterated that Nigeria cannot afford to overlook the stark disparities within its borders. As banks declare trillions in profits, millions of Nigerians struggle to afford daily meals. This economic imbalance is not just unsustainable, it is unjust. The absence of robust social protection systems further deepens this vulnerability, leaving the poorest without safety nets in times of crisis. President Tinubu’s administration must act decisively to bridge inequality, ensure that growth is inclusive, and build a social protection framework that reaches those most in need.

Mamedu emphasised the importance of protecting civic space, noting that democracy thrives when citizens are free to express themselves, organise, and hold leaders accountable. The continued shrinking of civic space only serves to alienate the very people that governance is meant to serve.

He added that ‘‘While there have been some gains against Boko Haram in the Northeast, insurgent activity has resurged, as seen in recent communal attacks on communities in Benue, Enugu, Borno, and Yobe States, including the deadly assault on Gubio town in March 2025. In the Northwest and North-Central regions, banditry and kidnapping have become daily nightmares. In 2024 alone, over 3,000 Nigerians were reportedly kidnapped, including the mass abduction of more than 280 schoolchildren in Kuriga, Kaduna State in March, and repeated abductions along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. These incidents have not only left families shattered but have also drained them financially through ransom payments, with many victims still unaccounted for. This escalating insecurity demands urgent, strategic intervention grounded in justice, community resilience, and protection for the most vulnerable.
Additionally, with Nigeria’s budget at a historic high, the increasing reliance on borrowing poses long-term risks. Instead of piling on debt, we urge the government to explore sustainable alternatives: curb budget padding, cut the cost of governance, and embrace transparency and accountability. These steps would not only improve fiscal stability but also restore public trust.’’

Moving forward, ActionAid Nigeria called on the Tinubu administration to marry policy with empathy, numbers with narratives, and growth with justice. Let this new year in office mark a turning point, a time when governance truly reflects the voice and needs of the Nigerian people.

Tinubu @2: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prioritization of Needs, Voices of Ordinary Citizens