The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s worsening cost of living crisis, warning that the country is edging dangerously close to a socio-economic breakdown.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the group accused the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to manage the economy effectively, citing rising inflation, mass unemployment, and declining living standards as clear indicators of systemic failure.
HURIWA said data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and assessments by the World Bank show that inflation—particularly food inflation—has continued to erode the purchasing power of Nigerians, pushing millions deeper into poverty.
According to the group, unemployment and underemployment have reached crisis levels, especially among young people, while small businesses are collapsing under the weight of rising operational costs and weak consumer demand.
The association described the current petrol pricing regime as “a painful contradiction,” noting that Nigeria, despite being a major crude oil producer, now faces some of the highest fuel costs relative to income among oil-producing nations.
HURIWA also criticised the state of the power sector, saying the persistent failure to deliver stable electricity has worsened economic hardship. It noted that businesses and households are increasingly dependent on costly alternatives such as diesel generators, further straining incomes and productivity.
Beyond economic concerns, the group raised alarm over what it termed “budgetary lawlessness,” pointing to revelations by the House of Representatives Nigeria that capital components of federal budgets have not been effectively implemented over consecutive fiscal years.
The group referenced disclosures from the Federal Ministry of Health indicating that only about ₦36 million was released out of roughly ₦250 billion allocated for capital projects in the 2025 budget, describing the situation as “deeply troubling” and suggestive of possible diversion or mismanagement of public funds.
HURIWA called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to immediately investigate the alleged discrepancies and prosecute anyone found culpable.
It warned that failure to act would reinforce public perception of impunity and weaken confidence in government institutions.
To address the crisis, the group proposed a series of immediate interventions, including fast-tracking local refining to stabilise fuel prices, implementing an emergency food security plan, reforming the power sector, enforcing strict budget discipline, and expanding social protection programmes.
HURIWA stressed that Nigeria is at a critical crossroads and urged the government to take urgent and transparent action to reverse the current trajectory.
“The Nigerian people deserve relief, accountability, and leadership that delivers measurable results,” the group stated.
HURIWA raises alarm over rising hardship, blames policy; budget failures
